Collage Friday ~ Hollywild

This is a bit of a cheat post. We actually went to Hollywild a few weeks ago, and I never posted about it.  I figure it is more exciting to tell you about this trip than what is going on around here this week (two sick kids, one kid in camp, my camera got destroyed ~ sans no pictures, and I am covered with my first ever outbreak of poison ivy).  So instead of whining about current events ~ Hollywild!

We had a wonderful day with Daddy and Grandma at this private zoo.  It was only a couple hours away and was a perfect day trip.  I was impressed with the large variety of animals they had.  We really enjoyed visiting with the chimpanzee.  He was very friendly and quickly taught us some sign language.  We were allowed to feed him and he signed for food.  If we didn't give it to him he made spitting sounds.  If we fed him, he clapped.  The kids also loved the safari ride.  We saw many pregnant deer, camels, different varieties of cows, emu and a retired Hollywood rhino.

There was a petting zoo with lots of baby goats.  The kids loved feeding the goats with baby bottles.  We could have stayed in this section for hours and drained my wallet buying bottles.  LOL!

My husband made friends with a zeedonk (the result of a zebra and donkey mating).  The zeedonk was really sweet and an animal none of us had ever seen before.  

The kids spent a long time visiting with this tortoise.  He loved the crackers we had to offer. 

This was a really nice zoo.  I must admit, I was a bit concerned that a small, private zoo that did not have AZA accreditation might be depressing.  I'm sure some of them are, but this one was very pleasant.  All of the animals seemed happy and well cared for.  The animal enclosures were spacious, clean and filled with entertainment for animal enrichment.  I thought the fee to get in was fair, especially considering the cost of taking proper care of animals and that they had many unusual animals on view.

I am joining homegrown learners.

Blessings, Dawn