San Diego Zoo, Continued

2010.12.25

We stopped for a picnic lunch in the van, then returned to the zoo for the rest of the afternoon.

On the left, a Lion (not to be confused with an anteater).  On the right, a Secretary Bird, likely a corruption of Arabic saqr-et-tair meaning “hunter-bird”.  This is an unusual bird of prey which — although it can fly — primarily hunts on foot.

Lion at San Diego Zoo
Secretary Bird at San Diego Zoo

African Elephants.

African Elephant at San Diego Zoo
African Elephant at San Diego Zoo

After the elephants, we started towards the pandas, but when we saw the long line of people, we bailed.  Instead we wandered along large cages of various tropical birds.  Unfortunately with the tight spacing of the cage wire grids and dim lighting beneath the trees, my photos were not worth posting.

On the left, an Angolan Colobus mother and baby.  On the right, a Black Mangabey.

Angolan Colobus mother and baby at San Diego Zoo
Black Mangabey at San Diego Zoo

On the left, an underwater Hippopotamus.  On the right, an endangered Malayan Tiger.

Hippopotamus at San Diego Zoo
Malayan Tiger at San Diego Zoo

Our last stop was the Orangutans.  One of them was making its way down the glass and stopped to pose patiently for the guy next to me.  Although there was thick glass between us, it was my closest animal encounter, and a great way to end our visit.

Orangutan at San Diego Zoo
Orangutans at San Diego Zoo

Even if we had started right at opening and stayed after sunset, I don’t think we could have seen the entire zoo.  Nonetheless, we managed to visit most of it, more than these example photos may suggest.