The Best Zoo Ever?

I hesitate to go out on a limb and say it, but we may have found the best zoo of our career so far. And our zoo-going career is fairly extensive. The Memphis Zoo welcomed us on Monday of our trip, and though it was fairly chilly that day, it wasn't unpleasant enough to do more than inspire us to buy coffee and duck into the indoor exhibits from time to time.

We were absolute heroes that day. Both babies managed to nap in their Ergo carriers, and the rest of us made a whole day of it. A whole day!

Melissa says these animals get costumes for Halloween. 

We started at the big cats. Adele was, needless to say, a HUGE fan. In addition to meowing at the tigers, jaguars and cheetahs, she's learned to ROAR at the lions. I love the acquiring animal sounds stage!

White tiger!

Baby giraffe!

Miles approves of this panda.

We all doubled over laughing when we read this sign on the cow pen:

I have never seen a grizzly bear in real life. He was awesome. 

This area had the coolest lodge, a replica of the Old Faithful Inn. They had a fountain up front that mimicked the geyser, and a fireplace inside the spacious lodge. Just one of many gorgeous features of this zoo.

Wolves!

We caught a SeaWorld-like sea lion show, wherein sea lions actually balanced balls on their noses and jumped through the air. The kids were enthralled.

We said, "Look, Adele: sealions!" She said, "ROAAR!"

These viewing bubbles were so magic. 

This orange has invented clothing. Evolution right before our eyes. 

Pilfered these from Melissa & Josh... thanks guys! The prairie dog exhibit allowed us some great proximity.

Melissa and I practice our Parseltongue. Sadly, the glass did not disappear. 

On our way out, we tried to capture the heroism of our expedition. We are some expert baby wranglers!