We took the kids to Independence, KS to the zoo and park..
We drove through the Drive through part.. you could see where the flood water got up on the fences.. As far as I know no animals were lost due to the flood..
any way.. here are some pics I took while there..
This is part of the drive through part.. if you look close you can see deer like things.. I don't recall now what they were called.. but they are very small.. there was a heard of them and a BUNCH of babies we got to see frolic.. there are spots to pull off the road and take pictures..



One of our favorites is the Lamas.. they are where you can pet them..
Here is Kasandra Petting a very sweet one...


Mama Lama.. see the baby peaking out from under her belly to see me??


Here is a better pic of that baby...


This buffalo was way to far away to pet.. but that is just fine with me...



Here is the sign @ Monkey Island...


Swan swimming around Monkey Island... wondering if I bought treats from the vending machine for it..


Castle on Monkey Island... the monkeys are hiding in the shade and none of the pics I took of the monkeys on the island showed up..


Albino Boa and normal Boa *I think*


Gator or Croc??


One of the capuchin monkeys that usually lives on monkey island.. also a couple of Peacocks..


Couple of Macaws trying to stay cool..


There are BANANA Plants in the middle of those Elephant ears!!! I'm going to go back in a month or two and see if any one needs rescued


Here is another of our Family Favs.. a little on the stinky side. but this Donkey is such a sweet heart!!! No nothing wrong with him.. he was built like that.. Forget what type it is..


Mrs. Black Bear.. we figured this was a she because she was primping..


Mr. Black Bear is snoozing after the Sunday games...


We got to see these bears when they had first arrived at the zoo many yrs ago.. they were very very young then.. one of the zoo keepers let us get close to the cage they were in and pet them.. these guys were hand raised.. one of them sucked on my oldest sons fingers.. that was one day he will never forget..

Couple of the Geese on duck island..


After quite a bit of hiking and walking we walked over to the train station and bought tickets for $.25 each..
Here is Kasandra being cheesy for me on the train...


here is a jet we saw on our train ride..


Here is the traffic Jam waiting for our train to pass...
You can see the South end of the Putt Putt course here..


Here is the North end of the Putt Putt course.. and for $1 you can see ALL the course with a putter in your hand..


Here is the train we rode and the engineer...


There are many more things I did not get pictures of.. or they just didn't turn out.. if you would like more info on Riverside Zoo and Park...
http://www.forpaz.com
This is a FANTASTIC place to take family.. in expensive and very enjoyable!!!
Hope you enjoyed my mini vacation..

Gina *BabyBlue*

That's awesome! Way cheaper than where we've always been!

Wow, now I have been on a mini vacation right here at work! Wonderful photo's, looks like a good time. Thanks for sharing!

Joe,
When you and your family come for a visit you get the GRAND tour.. I'm sure it won't compare to other big city zoos and parks.. but it makes up for it with nice quiet but still lots to see and do.. very enjoyable for family..
Honestly this is the only zoo I have ever been to.. We went to go to the Tulsa(OK) Zoo but they had closed by the time we got there.. but I noticed it seemed very commercial..
Guess This little zoo has spoiled me to laid back peaceful environment..

German Fest was this week end.. I took youngest daughter there.. we got to take a hay ride down in to the drive through part of the zoo.. very nice..

Joan.. If you come to visit your friend in Chanute.. you have open invite as well!!

Gina *BabyBlue*