Gators and Friends

Warning:  Lots of pics to follow; apparently Gators have lots of friends!

So, last Friday some sweet friends from church invited us to join them at at this nearby "exotic" animal park.  When we pulled in my expectations sank, however, I was pleasantly surprised and we had lots of fun!  Thanks Ms. A and Mr. M for the invite!

There were lots of gators!  They were not very active since this is hibernation season, but you did occasionally see one swim by or go under the water.

They are just scary looking!

This one swam right up under my feet.  I sheepishly will admit, there was a tad bit of terror in me.  I was just waiting for him to leap out of the water with his mouth open wide . . . I guess that's another animal all together!  *wink*  I think it's all in their slow approach!

I think they may have gotten a discount on this one.  (I'll credit that line to Ms. A!)  I don't know what was up with his lip, but he was one mean deer (or antelope, or gazelle or whatever phylum he may be).  He was not letting any of the little ones get fed!  You know me out for the underdog!  
Little Lion and Russell feeding the Axis deer.  The poor camel was begging, but they said he slobbered too much to feed him!  WHAT!?!?  I thought they were boys ~ don't boys like slobber and dirt and yucky stuff!?!

Apparently the Axis deer was well liked!  Even Little Pumpkin feed him by herself!?!

Little Pumpkin and AJ.  This didn't last long . . . they are such sisters at heart ~ always fighting!!

The Highland Cattle.  (I think that's what they were called.)  Anyway, this will be what we are going to ranch when we become cattle ranchers someday!

Aren't they just so cute.  Kinda like a golden retriever Buffalo!  I liked them the best.

As the sun came out, more gators came out of the water!  It was actually quite entertaining watching the struggle to get out.  I think they are use to a gradual dip!

These pics come compliments of Ms. A and Mr. M.  Thanks for catching these moments I missed!  

This zebra was 6 months old and so soft!  Way cool to have pet a zebra!

The excitement was just too much for the man!  *wink*  Really the sun just felt too good!  We are talking 70's people!  I don't think mother nature realizes it's Jan.  However, as I type this I'm freezing!  (Okay, I realize I'm technically not, but remember who you are "talking" too!)

SO glad they got this one!  Daddy Lion was out loading the car when the sales clerk said you wanna see a baby gator!  That is actually me holding it!!!!  Deep breathes I know amazing!  It was so cold and I expected it to be way more slimy.  (They probably are when they're in the water.)  Anyway, the top of him was quite hard, kind of like a turtle.  Learn something new everyday!  

Hope you enjoyed your virtual tour!  *smile*  Come visit and we'll love to take you there!