Saturday, August 23, 2008

The Zoo - Part 2 - Big Cat Falls

We were all looking forward to the new Big Cat Falls habitat. It started off with a whimper. We went on a typical August day, so the lions were doing what lions do in hot and humid weather. In other words, the lions were lying around and trying to stay cool.

The jaguar was perched on the wall in the back of his habitat. Hidden to the point that a zoo worker was standing there kindly pointing him out to guests. We didn't even get to see the leopards because they didn't want to be found.

Our last hope fell on the tigers. And then the magic happened...

After their fellow felines had underwhelmed us, the tigers put on a show. Initially, they were all lazing around, except for one that was using a Little Tikes picnic table as a chew toy. That was chuckle-worthy enough. Then, one of the other tigers went over and dragged the table towards glass wall. Those two started playing a tug of war with the table at the edge of the pool. Finally, a third tiger joined the fray.

Melissa and I stood there with our jaws dropped open. Zach ran up to the glass and even banged on it a little. We watched the three of them biting at the table for 5-10 minutes and they were still going strong when we walked away.

How many people can say they stood within a few feet of three tiger cubs playing with a chew toy? I don't know, but I know Zach is now on that list.

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