Singapore Zoo

I had so many good things to say about the zoo in my last posts, I couldn't very well not show up with the pictures!

Unequivocally the best decision I made was to hire a private buggy tour that would take us to all the sites and grant us VIP access to exhibits and animal feedings.  Guys, are you kidding. No brainer, especially with the little ones in tow and with Singapore's insane heat and humidity. 

It is a beautiful and well run zoo, and we had an epic trip.  We were so lucky that day and saw so many amazing animals: white tigers (but I must say that these are all rescue animals and the zoo keeps them to show why inbreeding is not a good thing), rhinos, zebras, chimpanzees, lions, Asian elephants, pygmy hippos, cheetahs (!!).  Our tour guides also marveled that we were so lucky - "like the animals are putting on a show for you!"

We also got to do 2 exclusive feedings - goats and a giraffe (wow!) and got to meet and pet giant tortoises up close.  The biggest one was 90 years old and particularly enamored with Lola, following her everywhere.  The tortoise's skin was really lovely, it felt rough and soft and leathery at the same time.

I particularly love the above picture of Al.  He is so gentle and caring with animals.

Did you know that giraffe tongues are purple and that they eat by sticking out their tongue, curling it around what they want, and yanking it into their mouth? They're very strong!  The kids couldn't stop giggling as they were feeding Marco.   Also, it may seem obvious, but up close, the size of a giraffe's head cannot be overstated.  I was a bit in awe as I looked up at him and his huge blinking eyes.

One of our last stops was meeting and greeting the tortoises.  Check out how massive they are!

We even got to see some mature content  happening right before our eyes... the noises that the males make are really something... turns out that is what they record for dinosaur sound effects!

We also got seats to a Rainforest Strikes Back! show:

It was all really spectacular.