Zoo Atlanta

Floppy ears and all

Stardate 66467.1

19:45 - To cap off the zoo-apolooza that was the year 2012, Rob and I ventured out to Zoo Atlanta. We had already seen the aquatic life in Atlanta and thought we would give the terrestrial animals a try. Venturing from exotic location to another proved to be a challenge. Mainly because of the beastly state of the Atlanta public transportation system. I mean we waited over half an hour for a bus to show up! We finally made it to see these fabulous creatures, and they did not disappoint!

On the Prowl

Focus Foxies, most people do not think to go to the zoo during the winter months. I guess being outside in the cold does not sound appealing to most, but the winter months are the best times to see the animals. This is true especially for big cats and bears. The cold weather makes them frisky! We got up close and personal to Zoo Atlanta's Sumatran Tigers and Malaysian Sun Bears. I mean really close. The one of the tigers came up and near the window to check out some of the kids. I mean the tiger could have eaten the kid if it was hungry. What could you do to stop them?

 The Malaysian Sun Bears took to (dare I say) horseplaying around their exhibit. I mean the Atlanta Falcons should get on signing at least one of these bears the way they were tackling each other.

Most zoos will be able to show you the usual suspects of all animals, but good zoos will teach you a thing or two. I found out about a two new animals. The first animal to be discovered was the Tanuki, which looks like a raccoon. This makes a whole lot of sense because Tanuki is Japanese for raccoon dog. Also, the Japanese name will tip off most detective Focus Foxies that they live in East Asia. However, sleuthing Focus Foxies, these guys are not related to the raccoon family; they are dogs. They are tricky and loving animals. They choose to 'play dead' rather than encounter predators, and they are monogamous creatures.

The next creature comes from the bird family, and it is a rather odd bird. The Kori Busturds are sizable birds from the African Plains. These birds are not easily pushed around as the males are contenders for the world's heaviest flying bird. An honor in the animal kingdom, I assure you. The males can weigh up to 40 lbs; the females come in at 14 lbs. Both genders measure approximately 4 feet tall. The males do some pretty elaborate mating rituals to attract their small lady friends. They guard their nesting territories, making booming calls to differentiate themselves, and preform dances to show off their plumage. You know, all in a days work. I am not sure if these birds mate for life, but they have about 30 years of life to figure it out.

On a scale of 1 to 10; you want to be meerkat level

Well, year 2012 turned out to be the best year for me and the zoos. I made it to 4 different zoos this year. I am not trying to brag, but I believe that is some sort of record.

There is a Wild Ass Abisinine, as my Grandfather would say