More of the wonderful Fresno Chaffee Zoo

I promised more from our trip to the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, so here you go. As I mentioned in the previous post, the grounds of the zoo are beautiful. From the tall trees to the log fences ... you feel like you are smack in the middle of nature ... Which by the way is how I think all zoos should make you feel.

Even though our main reason for visiting was to see Mek and Paca, we really enjoyed meeting some of the other animals too. Next to the tigers, I think the orangutans were Dylan's favorite.

There is a little hut like area between the tigers and orangutans that has some great information about the Species Survival Plan and the animals the Fresno Chaffee Zoo is helping to save.

We spent almost an hour here, reading all the signs and learning everything we could. This was actually my favorite part - I loved seeing how another zoo uses charts to educate the public.

Along with a sign that described a day in the life of an orangutan, there was this one that teaches about different facial expressions and what they mean in adult and infant orangutans. The wooden cards lift up to reveal the word associated with the expression. Happy, angry, etc.  I thought this was a wonderful way to educate people of all ages about the orangutan.

Since it was 106 degrees, I thought we should head over to Stingray Bay and get our hands in some cool water. Not to mention our bodies in the shade!

For under $10 Dylan and I both got to feed the stingrays and learn a little about these beautiful sea creatures.

Oh, and in case you are wondering, some sort of headless/tailless fish and shrimp was on the lunch menu for the stingrays.

The heat was starting to get to us and we were both thankful that we had arrived when the zoo first opened. In fact, we were the first ones through the gate. Just a few more animals to see.

Look, kangaroos! Wait, something isn't right with this kangaroo - I see too many feet.

Oh, never mind ... that's just a joey sticking his legs out of momma's pouch!

We had an amazing time at the Fresno Chaffe Zoo and are excited to go back for the opening of the new African Adventures exhibit in 2014. We even gave some change to help out ... 'cuz that's just what Dylan does.

The mission of the Fresno Chaffee Zoo is to inspire wonder of our natural world, provide an engaging learning environment, and create a passion for conservation.

We were inspired, we were engaged in learning, and our passion for conservation grew bigger.

If you are ever in the Fresno area I encourage you to visit the Fresno Zoo. If you thought you would never go to Fresno, now you have a reason to go. You can follow the Fresno Zoo on twitter, Instagram and of course like them on Facebook!


Oh, and one more thing ... the urban wildlife at the zoo was pretty cute too!

Even the squirrels were trying to beat the heat.

Be sure to view our Flickr album for more pictures from our visit to the Fresno Chaffee Zoo.


Coming up next on our Zoo Road Trip 2013 recap - The Sacramento Zoo