2nd visit to Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium

I was really excited for today's adventure because Mikkie Olson, owner of the zoo, called me a couple of days ago and had invited me to come over for a visit. I have known about Mikkie for decades but our paths had never crossed. So Bonnie and I met her daughter Lara and grand-daughter Celeste at the entrance to the zoo. We were a couple of hours early and walked around for a while looking at the exhibits before we were to meet up with Mikkie. 

He was so kind and gave us a tour of the new addition to the park called Safari Park in his golf cart. The enclosures are huge and there is even a tram ride that takes you into the exhibits and you're literally in with the animals. 

The aquarium is a new addition within the last couple of years. 

There were a couple of new baby Porcupines. 

This picture of the Chilean Flamingo demonstrates the way in which they eat by sieving through the mud and water. 

Did you know that Military Macaws can blush? 

A Coscoroba Swan shows how it relaxes it's legs in the water. 

Thank you Mikkie for your generosity and time to show us one of the best collections I've ever seen. 

Phoenix Zoo

Tuesday, November 25 I visited the Phoenix Zoo by myself. The entrance was grand, and judging by all the school children there, it was well planned.

As you go through the entry they have a bridge over a fairly large lake. What caught my attention were the sculptures floating in the water. 

The animal collection was diverse and I really enjoyed the children's zoo area which included a farm with goats, cows, horses, poultry and even the red barn. 

In the horse area they have a full size riding arena and some beautiful southwest sculptures. 

I happened to be right on time for feeding Maribou Storks. 

This was the first time for me being this close to the symbol of our great country the Bald Eagle

Barn owls are not often seen. 

Crested Screamers are known for the spur they have on the bend of their wing but it's not often seen. This picture below shows off the spur real good.  This is used for protection. 

Overall I really enjoyed myself and got a real good walk out of it. The walkways and pathways take you up and down the hilly terrain and just make sure to wear comfortable shoes. 

Real Razr Fun!

Today Tom took Bonnie and I out on the Razr again because last week it was so windy and miserable that we didn't stay out long. We also had forgotten to wear goggles and that made the wind almost unbearable. Since the weather was so beautiful today and almost no wind to speak of we prepared our selfs!

Red was my choice of safety gear!

Tom prefers his glasses. 

And Bonnie is just Gold!

Some parts were muddy. 

Some were steep. 

Yes it is!

Love was all around. 

Thankfully today it wasn't my day!

Saw ducks out on the lake. 

At the end of it all the Razr got a bath and we all relaxed our aching bones. It was all worth it because I had no idea how much fun it is going off road, can't blame me since I was raised in Los Angeles after all!

Paradise Birds

Friendly Greywing Trumpeter

I spent this morning at David Calvin's place called Paradise Birds in Scottsdale, AZ. He has an amazing selection of soft billed birds. David sells to many public institutions as well as private aviculturists. Enjoy a few of the gems I got to see in person.

Wildlife World Zoo and Aquarium

Today I fell in love with baby primates. They had so much personality and character in their faces that my heart was touched. 

"Din din time!"

The collection is amazing and diverse. I spent the entire day taking my time to really observe everything and not just the birds!

Reptiles usually don't catch my eye but these did. 

Tucson here we come!

Bonnie and I left Phoenix at 6am to meet up with my friend Jason at the Tucson Reid Park Zoo. Jason had become the Director of the zoo about a year ago and had moved from Los Angeles to Tucson for his new job. I was really looking to catch up with him since I had not spoken to him in months. He knew we were excited about seeing their newest arrival Nandi. She is an African Elephant born on August 20, 2014. When we got to the exhibit it was great to see the herd of six elephants which included Nandi's mother Samba, her father, two older brothers and another unrelated female. The local newstation KVOA was there filming baby Nandi and they also interviewed me for the segment because I was there all the way from Los Angeles to see her.

Jason, myself and Bonnie feeding the giraffes. 

"What about me!"

Baby Nandi born August 20, 2014

Razr Funday Sunday!

Another first for me today. Tom and Bonnie took me out on the Razr for some great fun.

After putting on some overalls, my back brace to be on the safe side and a hoodie I climbed into the back of this baby. 

We rode on the streets out to the dirt and boy was it windy and cold. 

We made a whole lotta dust, ate a lot of it and had a blast for a while. 

We got home with our hair blown all out and another great memory thanks to my friends Tom and Bonnie. 

Sedona and Beautiful Horses in one day!

Bonnie and I had planned a day trip up to Sedona. We were afraid it might rain because the news had been talking about the possibility and we dressed appropriately. As luck would have it, it did not rain but the clouds made for beautiful backgrounds for the day. 

The fall colors were starting to come through and with the red rocks behind them had me awestruck. 

I asked Bonnie if we could stop by this bridge because I saw the river below it. There was an area with steps that led to a viewing platform and I was able to get several amazing pictures from under the bridge. 

Just incredible colors!

After getting back to Sun City from Sedona I headed to West World and met up with my friends Archie, Lexi and Kerin for night time horse showing. Congratulations Lexi on your win!