It's almost become a tradition that we visit a local zoo when in town. Thankfully Phoenix has a really cool zoo that offers guests the opportunity to get up close with some of the animals. I was promised an interactive visit so I was excited to check it out.
The heat was beating down so I was pre-warned that the animals might not be all that active during our tour. Sure enough, they weren't. But, it's still fun seeing them.
During our camel encounter, the humped friends seemed welcoming to being touched and stroked. If there's one animal that can handle the desert climate, I guess it's a camel. They were slow moving and seemed happy to just walk around in circles from time to time. The zoo offers rides and people can do a couple of laps on the back of one.
The stingray exhibit allows zoo guests to get in the water (somewhat) for a feeding experience. I was given a quick lesson about how to hold the food so the stingrays could swim over and get it. I was also introduced to many of the creatures and told their country-music-artist names.
Yes, there's a Faith Hill. Yes, there's a Luke Bryan. And naturally, there's a Dolly Parton.
These two are some of the oldest residents at the zoo. These giant turtles also have giant mouths. Even though they are slow moving, their sheer size is intimidating. When you see the giant mouth coming at you because you're holding out a treat for them, you can't help but fear for your fingers!
When I was able to knock on their shells I wondered if they could even feel it. I also kind of felt bad that they had bird poop on their backs! Apparently feathered friends gather on the turtles sometimes.
It was a quick visit to Phoenix Zoo, simply because of the dangerous heat. We had a lot of ground to cover and were whisked around on a golf cart while exhibits were pointed out -- but ultimately, we spent less than an hour on the property.
I'll be back! I need to full experience next time.
