We went to the Denver Zoo last year, about this time and we were finally able to go back to visit.  The Denver Zoo is becoming one of my favorite places to visit with the kids.  Yesterday, it was a free day to visit and this is when a lot people take advantage to enjoy seeing all the zoo has to offer.  They also tend to have more volunteers available for the kids to talk with and ask questions.

The kids and I met up with some friends and headed to the Feline section first.  We missed this area the last time we visited, so we wanted to be sure we made it this trip.  I always love seeing the big cats.  They always seem so quiet and graceful, yet I know they are predators and can be aggressive.

Leopard was waiting for a treat.

Leopard was waiting for a treat.

After we left the Feline area, we walked to the giraffes enclosure.  The last time we saw the giraffes, there had recently been a baby.  We saw the baby and several others.  They were all out in the little sunshine that we had and was eating away at their lunch.

Giraffe eating lunch.

Giraffe eating lunch.

The next place we visited was the tropical building.  Oh boy, that place was so humid, it brought back memories of Florida!  It is always neat to see habitats and animals from the place that I grew up.  There are also other many animals from all over the world.

Nemo playing peek-a-boo.

Nemo playing peek-a-boo.

The kids enjoyed seeing fish they recognized from Finding Nemo.  They saw the Clown Fish and Regal Blue Tang.

Dory just keeps swimming.

Dory just keeps swimming.

The polar bears were enjoying the cooler weather and taking a nap when we were walking by.

Polar bear taking a nap.

Polar bear taking a nap.

We learned a little about the Komodo Dragon that the zoo has.  His name is Castor and he is 19 years old.  He is having some joint issues and has to take inflammatory medicine to help him move.

Castor the Komodo Dragon taking a dip in his pool.

Castor the Komodo Dragon taking a dip in his pool.

This crocodile was showing off for us.  I loved how big he opened up his mouth.  It was like he was telling us that he was big and powerful.

Crocodile showing off his teeth.

Crocodile showing off his teeth.

One of the great things about the zoo, is they have volunteers that are in different areas, taking the time to teach the kids about the animals.  This lady was at the Camel exhibit and was telling the kids about the humps on the camels and why they have them.

Kids getting a lesson on camels.

Kids getting a lesson on camels.

I think one of the highlights of this zoo trip was the rhinoceros. He was playing with a bucket that was hanging from the tree.  He was so funny!  He would hit it with his head and it would swing and when it came falling back to him, he would it it again!  It got stuck at one time and he got so upset that he could hit the bucket.  He jumped up and down and turned around, then hit the tree and the bucket fell loose and he kept hitting it. We had a good laugh watching him.

Rhino playing with a bucket.

Rhino playing with a bucket.

I loved this picture of the kids.  They were all standing at the sign that talks about the animal.  I am not even for sure what animal we were looking at, but they were so interested in it.  I loved being with the kids.  They were so wonderful while we were at the zoo.  They asked questions and were attentive when the zoo workers asked them questions.

Kids looking at some animals.

Kids looking at some animals.

I am so thankful that the Denver Zoo has free days for people to attend.  We plan on going back in a couple of weeks with more friends.  We also plan on buying a membership to the zoo.  This is a place that I see us going to a lot more.

What is your favorite animal?  Do you have a zoo in your area?  What do you love about it the most?  I can’t wait for you to share with us!