Most folks think of Colorado spring break season as time on the ski slopes, and in the past our family thought the same. Now that a large part of our family lives in the mountains, by the time spring comes we are ready to shed our jackets and soak up some sunshine. During Bo’s first spring break, we were rewarded with sunny skies and temperatures in the 70’s. Never fear, there was still plenty of snow at Winter Park and Breckenridge for those who want it, but we wanted Bo’s first spring break to be something different, even educational. We heard much from the neighbors about Denver’s zoo, so off we went on a (mostly) African adventure.

So many cool birds in the African section, but the most fascinating part for Hanna and Mom was the python the birds would love to feast on. Denver Zoo enthusiasts are working fast and furious on a new bird habitat, as well as a local bear hangout, and aquarium for seals and such. We did miss seeing the local bears up close but I have a feeling bear sightings are in our future whether we’re ready or not:) Hopefully we’ll be ready with a boat horn to scare them off, or at least some bear spray:)

As you can see Bo wasn’t particularly thrilled with the rhinos. Guess I haven’t read him stories of rhinos yet, so he couldn’t relate; plus they had a very pungent smell, even from a safe distance.

Elephants are a different matter, as Bo and Hanna both have heard the sounds elephants make many times, and much about how useful their trunks are. Hanna can even imitate the elephant trunk by making one with her hand in front of her nose while she bobs her head up and down. Pretty cute if I do say so myself.

Camels were another very familiar African animal. Their habitat was very close so the kiddos could get an up close and personal view of them. When our boys were young, the camel trainer came to Beaumont once a year with a kid basket on his camel’s back. For a token payment (before inflation:) the boys could ride the camel to their hearts content. Truth is, these days there are too many liability issues for that much fun.

I would love to share the biologically accurate names for many of the African animals, but I have no idea what the half-zebra half-horse was called. The African Horse was easy to identify, as was the giraffe and water buffalo. The rhino in his up close and personal home reminded me of the time I took the boys to the Houston Zoo many years ago. The rhino there had a gastronomical attack while we were a little too close. He swished his tail and got us all with a bit of mother nature’s fertilizer. I asked Matt if he remembered, fortunately he didn’t or the zoo would not have been a good memory.

The best adventure came last as we were able to view a magnificent tiger interact with his trainer. He appeared very happy to see her and did various tricks for his treats. What a special job this lady has. Sometimes as I think back over my career choices, I’m a bit jealous of those who made such fun career decisions. Oh well, at least I can enjoy the fruits of their labors through my grand angels’ eyes.