Fort Worth Zoo

After finishing up at the playground, it was time for the zoo!! We decided this trip to visit the Fort Worth Zoo. When we arrived, about 10 minutes before opening, it was SWAMPED with school children! We counted 14 buses, all in the process of unloading, and a few more coming in. Thank goodness this was a huge zoo! After opening, we headed the opposite direction the school groups seemed to be going, so we could avoid some of the crowds. We did stop to check out the flamingos, and I think Austin was trying to be a bird too!

Austin thought this kangaroo statue needed a 'Go Dawgs' hat. :)

Penguins!And although you can't really see it, this sign says Texas Wild! A whole area devoted to the animals and life of Texas. This was also the back of the zoo, away from all the school children!

Naturally, Austin spotted the carousel, so we stopped for a ride. He was the first rider of the day, and got his own private ride! Although he usually wants a horse that goes up and down, this time he opted to take a wagon ride.It didn't take him long to figure out that he could bounce the wagon though!

On to Texas town! We really enjoyed this part of the zoo. Prior to getting to the animal exhibits, the entire area was themed to look like the old west!
But before we could finish our visit to Wild Texas, Austin had to visit the barn! But this was no ordinary barn, it was a play zone for kids!

Austin in the 'hayloft'

After a few minutes, and a promise that we'd come back after we saw the animals, we headed out. But we had to visit the horses for a bit first.

Austin the Alligator wrestler!

Time to ride the train!!

Austin and the duck pond

Ice cream break!

Austin and the sleeping gorillas.

I love this picture with Austin's reflection in the glass, watching the silver back!

And we just had to have a picture of our favorite animal, Rafiki!

(the crazy monkey from the Lion King)

After finishing up with the animals, we headed back to Texas town for a little more exploring - and some playing in the barn, as promised!

This time, Austin climbed all the way to the top, then across this rope tunnel.

After one last train ride, it was time to go! We had a great time!!