As we left the polar bear behind, we passed these little puffins, lined up like soldiers ready to march.
The sea lions were not as flamboyant and showy as the polar bear, but their gliding elegance was spellbinding, especially with the interesting play of sunlight with the water.
More for the artists. There were at least three 3-D murals that "moved" as you walked by (I may try to load a video of one, but sometimes those don't work out too well for me).
Here's is one of the larger 3-D murals.
Judy suggested she take my picture on this man-made stump. Like a lot of the scenery at the zoo, it's sometimes hard to tell what's real and what's not.
Like this cougar, for example (It didn't get us)
In the Cypress Swamp, these alligators had posted a "No Fishing" sign. We decided to comply with their request.
This was, no doubt, the "old man" of the 'gators. He was humongous!
More for the artists. There were at least three 3-D murals that "moved" as you walked by (I may try to load a video of one, but sometimes those don't work out too well for me).
Here's is one of the larger 3-D murals.
Judy suggested she take my picture on this man-made stump. Like a lot of the scenery at the zoo, it's sometimes hard to tell what's real and what's not.
Like this cougar, for example (It didn't get us)
In the Cypress Swamp, these alligators had posted a "No Fishing" sign. We decided to comply with their request.This was, no doubt, the "old man" of the 'gators. He was humongous!
There were several varieties of ducks paddling about in the swamp. Apparently, the alligators don't eat them. I've never seen a duck with a bill like this one, but it seems everybody's a Tar Heel fan these days. Why not?!
Now this cougar is real! They're also known as mountain lions, pumas, panthers, painters, and catamounts (that's just a partial list). Raw power. An efficient hunting machine. As much as I regret that they no longer roam wild east of the Mississippi, I can't say I'd like to happen upon one while hiking, either! I think it's the most beautiful American big cat.
We exited at the far end of the zoo from where we had parked, but rather than take the tram, we hiked a 20 minute shaded woodland connector trail. As we passed out of the gate we saw that all kinds of animal tracks and other nature symbols were etched in the concrete.
So it was time to say goodbye to the North Carolina State Zoo until next time. It's truly one of the great treasures of our state, a joy to all ages. We recommend that you "make tracks" there sometime soon!
Now this cougar is real! They're also known as mountain lions, pumas, panthers, painters, and catamounts (that's just a partial list). Raw power. An efficient hunting machine. As much as I regret that they no longer roam wild east of the Mississippi, I can't say I'd like to happen upon one while hiking, either! I think it's the most beautiful American big cat.We exited at the far end of the zoo from where we had parked, but rather than take the tram, we hiked a 20 minute shaded woodland connector trail. As we passed out of the gate we saw that all kinds of animal tracks and other nature symbols were etched in the concrete.
So it was time to say goodbye to the North Carolina State Zoo until next time. It's truly one of the great treasures of our state, a joy to all ages. We recommend that you "make tracks" there sometime soon!
1 comment:
I love all the pictures! It makes me want to go to the zoo again - in a few years, when Bri can really appreciate it!
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