Backstage Pass

Sometimes it pays to have friends in high places...or more importantly...friends who have friends in high places.  On Wednesday, we had planned on heading to the zoo with some dear friends who live in Portland.  It was supposed to be a relaxing {if not HOT} morning spent admiring the animals, catching-up, and watching our kiddos play.  It ended up, however, being a spectacular morning {still HOT} with a private backstage tour of the zoo where we admired the animals, had time to catch-up, and watched the kiddos play.

We started out our tour in the elephant barn.  We got to see where the elephants sleep at night, where they get weighed and taken care of, and then got to see them face to face and feed them.  The zoo keeper called one of the elephants over {I think Kara was her name} and we got to feed her carrots and celery.  She was impressively large {even though she has just lost 1800 pounds...talk about the Biggest Loser} but unfortunately I did not get any pictures.  Noah was fascinated by her but rather nervous...he refused to be out of my arms.

We left the elephants and ventured into the animal hospital.  We saw {and got to pet} a newborn baby anteater and watched a wolf go under anesthesia.

 

It was quite interesting to see the amazing care all the animals receive.

After leaving the hospital, we entered the giraffe barn and followed another zoo keeper who had a big bucket of apples.  We got up close and personal with the giraffes and were able to hand feed them.  Bubs tried to feed the giraffe, but as soon as the long, black tongue got close to his chubby, little hand, Mr. Man dropped the apple fast.

 

He was content to watch everyone else risk life and limb to feed the gigantic creatures.

They truly are H U G E!!!!

Next we went to visit the warthogs and give them a back rub...with garden hoes, of course.

Owen was quite the pro at warthog back rubs!  If the warthogs could purr, I'm sure you would have heard them all the way in Portland.

Getting the technique down perfectly.

Bubs loved to watch.

 

Most of the group...Brian, Grace, zoo keeper, Owen, Me, Noah!

The final stop on our tour was behind the scenes at Stingray Bay.  We got to see the enormous filters, heaters, and coolers that keep the touch pools perfect for the stingrays.  We even got to see the shark and crabs that are off exhibit.  Bubs LOVED the shark and could have spent all day watching him swim around!  We then headed out to the touch pool and got to touch the stingrays.

Amy was trying to convince Bubs that he should stick his hands in the water.  Bubs was not very confident in Amy's advice.

She even showed Mr. Man how easy it was...no dice.

On the way out, we stopped by the camel. 

It truly was a once in a lifetime event and I am forever thankful for the amazing opportunity!