Brookfield Zoo

We went to the Brookfield Zoo on Sunday with Brian's family.  We got there when it opened and left an hour and a half before closing.  And we still didn't see everything!  It's hard to do that whole zoo in one day.  We had a great time!  Our only complaint was the heat...sweating through clothes is just not very comfortable.  We were definitely grateful for the trees shading us at times, though!  Some rain clouds moved in during the late afternoon, providing a little respite from the sun and a slight breeze (which felt great!).

 

In the butterfly garden hoping that one of the butterflies will land on their hands.

 

The stripes on this butterfly were very neat...lined up perfectly even though they were on two separate wings.

 

This one was very curious about Hailey's hand, but never crawled up onto it.

 

Pretty monarch butterfly.

 

This one decided to land on Jack's shirt (right above "not").

 

This rhinoceros stopped eating and came out to walk right in front of us as if he knew we were going to take his picture.   

 

It was fun to see the baby giraffe!

 

Watching the giraffes from afar.

 

A picture near the front of the African forest exhibit.

 

At least we know that Grandpa can see the top of a buffalo's back!

 

And Brian can, too!

 

Hailey has a little growing to do before she can, though.

 

Polar bears are huge animals!  We were lucky to be at this exhibit when the trainers walked up to practice some commands with "Hudson".

 

Riding the tram for a little relaxation.

 

Hailey and Emma waiting to pet some sting rays.  Hailey was so excited she actually got to touch one!

 

Watching the dolphin show.

 

One of her many facial expressions.

 

It's always fun to watch the dolphins do tricks!

 

Learning about sea turtles.

 Emma, Hailey, and Clara all jumped at the rush of water coming down the sea wall!  It was very funny!

 

Taking a ride on the carousel.

 

One last picture for the day!