Teriffic Tuesdays

Two unusual animal interactions for you all to enjoy! --LKR

Jingle Bells

Terrific Tuesdays

While I was checking out some new video clips by Tim Hawkins, I came across this and just haaaaad to share it! Enjoy!!! --LKR

Best Buds!

Suryia the orangutan and her best bud, Roscoe! Enjoy! --LKR

Brookfield Zoo

We just love Brookfield Zoo! We were members when we lived in Illinois, and came here often. It has changed a lot in the last four years with an added merry-go-round and playground, but the animals are still very well cared for and happy, so it's always a pleasure to come visit!

A seal happily swimming

I had to see the elephants. Though they're not my favorite animal, I love to see their huge smiles!

I wonder what he's squawking about!

We also saw penguins swimming with large fish in another exhibit in the Living Coast.

This giant starfish is part of the Living Coast exhibit. My sister and I, both beach bums, used to rescue small starfish; various crabs, including horseshoe crabs; sea horses (though they were usually in pretty rough shape if they washed up on shore); and other sea creatures after high tide. I don't know about any of you, but if I ever saw a starfish this big, I would have freaked!!!

Some sort of monitor

A beautiful bird

An interesting birdIsn't he sweet?!

Socrates (left) flirting with a female camel. A sign told us he is too young to breed and therefore has to be separated from the others 'til he's older.

A lovely couple!

This beautiful tiger put on a show for us all, playing with his toys in--and out--of the water.

I really miss not living close to this zoo. Hopefully the next time we're in the Chicago area, we'll be able to visit here, again! --LKR

He's a Jolly Good Fellow!

Scary looking, isn't he? That's what I thought when I almost stepped on him with bare feet while out in our yard! Out of desperation, I called 911 when I realized it was too late to call the nature center for an ID on this creature. We have lots of young children in our neighborhood, and I wanted to make sure it wasn't an exotic snake escapee!

He didn't seem threatening at all when he deflated his head and body. He and I soon came to realize neither one of us was going to hurt the other. Later, he let me follow him to his underground den in our yard.

Satisfied I knew where he hung his hat when he wasn't out hunting, I ran back inside. Looking him up on the internet, the kids and I learned that he's a harmless eastern hognose snake, so named for his upturned nose.
We learned these snakes are one of the best animal actors around. If puffing up its body doesn't scare you and he continues to feel threatened, he may strike at you--with his mouth closed. In spite of his appearance, this snake's species is known to be the least likely to bite! While working out in my gardens, I've often felt a "tap" at one of my legs and now wonder if we've ever encountered each other before!
Another trick he will perform is to roll over onto his back and play dead. He'll open his mouth and hang his forked tongue out to try and convince you of his death. The dead giveaway (pun intended!) is if you pick up his limp body and place him on his belly, he'll roll onto his back, again!
This beneficial fellow has rid of us mice, moles, and sadly frogs, toads, and crickets. They may also eat birds, bird eggs, smaller snakes, and dead animals. He has become an honored guest taking up residence in our yard. --LKR

A Porcupine Sighting!

It was the coolest thing! On our way home from our children's orchestra concert this evening, a porcupine waddled across the road right in front of our van! I've never seen a porcupine out in the wild before, have you?

These large, nocturnal rodents can tip the scales at 30 to 40 lbs. They are peaceful animals that curl up when threatened, protecting their vulnerable bellies while exposing up to 30,000 thorny quills that cover them from head to tail. If attacked, they will whack their predator with their spiny tails. These painful weapons fall off and become embedded in the attacker's skin.

Porcupines live in wooded areas, making their homes in hollow logs, underground dens, and caves. They can also be found climbing around in trees. They dine on clover, grass, fruit, seeds, tender leaves, twigs, and the bark of trees. Like beavers, they also crave salt and will eat things like canoe paddles and tool handles that contain human sweat.

--LKR

Henry Vilas Zoo & Ducks in the Dells

This is the last half of the fourth grade field trip down to Madison and the Dells...

The Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wisconsin

This land was donated by the Vilas family in 1904 as a public park, and the first animal exhibits were constructed in 1911. The zoo was named in memory of their young son, Henry, who died from diabetic complications. It remains, along with Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, one of the few free zoos in the nation.

Swans

Isn't he cute? At Turtle back Zoo in West Orange, NJ, and Brookfield Zoo in Brookfield, IL, peacocks roam around free.Buffalo and green leaves
I don't know which excited me more after the long winter we just had!
Pink flamingos contrasting nicely against the purple weedsNot sure if these are crocs or gatorsAn emu
Years ago, friends of ours tried to raise these odd looking birds. It didn't last!Inside the Tropical Rainforest Aviary

The Original Wisconsin Ducks in the Dells

The Original Wisconsin Ducks have toured visitors around the Dells for more than 57 years. Previously, these 7.5 ton amphibious vehicles proved to be valuable during World War II due to their versatility on both land and water. This is possible by changing the Duck’s tire pressure right from the captain’s seat!!!

If you've seen the new Indiana Jones film, you've seen a Duck! These vehicles are as at home on land as they are on water.

Each Duck is 31 feet long by 8 feet wide, and does not have power steering!On land...

...and into the water! Quack quack quack!!!There were a lot of really cool looking sandstone formations along the Wisconsin River.
This deer wasn't the least bit frightened of the noisy Duck! Our witty driver and guide stopped so we could all take pictures.Back on land, squeezing through Red Bird Gorge... ...and through the woods!
This was a really fun way to end the day!
--LKR