Potter Park Zoo

First let me say, that I really resist local zoos a lot. Having grown up so close to a large conservatory like the Bronx Zoo it is very difficult for me to see animals with limited to no habitat. However, with a toddler, I thought, okay, let's try the local zoo, maybe it isn't as bad as I imagine it. And some parts weren't as bad as I thought, but others were! It was nice for L to be able to see all the animals, excepting for a few that were still indoors because it still gets quite cool here, especially at night. And it was a nice activity to do with his friend C and with my parents. Here are a few pics and an alarming video...

Here is a great picture of the two boys...I can't believe how big they are! The two were talking up a storm. L kept saying all the animals were eating crackers (then trying to share his crackers with them) or they were sleeping. C said as they were leaving the park "Bye Bye Logan's Grammy and Pop Pop" - so cute and sweet!
















Here L is feeding the pygmy goats in the petting zoo part of the park...

















L: "Kitty"
me: "not quite sweety"
L: "Roar"
me: "The lion is roaring"
C: "Angry lion"
















If you have similar feelings towards zoos, you may not want to watch this. Apparently this lioness was brought to the PPZ when she was 6 months old with her brother. She is now 19 years old. The enclosure that you see here in is only the indoor portion, there is a "larger" "habitat" outside as well as a basement facility. However, as there are three lions in total who don't apparently get along, they must be separated. She is an angry lion! And who could blame her. None of the adults there had ever seen an animal held in captivity act like this. The lioness is in a sound proof enclosure (thankfully for the kids b/c otherwise I think it would have been downright terrifying).