Hiatus...but not really

It is amazing how life moves on no matter how fast you try to slow it down. I haven't been able to update my wonderful blog. Luckily, I have some free time in the near future that will result in picking back up my hobby of visiting every zoo....yay!! Stay posted!

Animal Abuse at the Indonesia Zoo

Recently read a story by the Huffington post that is circulating around the internet about the recent death of 30 year giraffe named Kliwon who died of having consumed a 40 pound(!!!) ball of plastic. what the?!?!? my emotions exacly..."where they do that at??...INDONESIA!" This is just one of the many unfortunate stories coming out about the neglect & mistreatment & possibly wildlife trafficking coming from the Surabaya Zoo in Indonesia.
I can't do the article justice, so I decided to post the news. Click the link below & prepare to enlighten yourself on the "zoo life" outside of the US.

Huffington Post on Surabaya Zoo

It's amazing that you can do jail time for animal abuse in the US but elsewhere, who knows how they handle that situation. Unfortunately because of this event, it might open up some eyes & ears of authorities.

Los Angeles Zoo

I finally started my journey to travel to every single zoo. First on the list was not planned but an opportunity presented itself and i took it! My first zoo trip was to the Los Angeles zoo! Let me first start off by saying the presentation of this zoo was great.(I expected it...it's LA!!) I got excited as I kept getting closer to the entrance. (peep the pic below)

I went on an early Saturday morning, which I felt was going to be a packed day but luckily, it wasn't. That day was a "zoo-wide" enrichment to where the animals received goodies such as popsicles, icesicles, and snow in their exhibit. Most of the animals could care less of what the substance was but a few seemed to enjoy the treat (was it rice?!). The tiger, had a snow man in his exhibit with vegetables for facial features. I truly enjoyed seeing the tiger question this structure in his space while he attempted to swat at the snowman's head. With ease, he succeeded.

One of the most intriguing creatures to me happens to be the silverback gorilla. I urge you to visit a zoological facility to see these beautiful animals up close. Their intellect is evident when you look into their eyes. I wanted to observe them for hours but I had to move on. I definitely needed to get the full zoo experience.




I must say that the Los Angeles zoo was beautiful. The scenery and landscaping was the perfect place for a fall morning. Mountains as a background added to the moment. However, the layout was pretty hard for me to navigate through. I got turned around a couple of times but eventually decided to "chunk" the map and just walk around. I'm excited to see the new exhibits they are building, as they continue to add on to this exceptional facility. I plan on re-visiting when their bug/reptile exhibit is complete (bugs lauren?!?...yea i know..crazy right?). I commend the Los Angeles zoo on their care-giving efforts to the animals in their "health/hospital" ward, the Winnick Family Animal Care Center. They have their own section where visitors can get a glimpse of behind the scenes of how they care for their sick or young animals. It reminded me of a pediatric ward where you can look at the newborn babies through the window, it was similar to that. Also, when you do go, most zoos have volunteer chats where they'll bring out a handling animal, for example a hedgehog or snake, so you can get some up close and personal action. When is the next time you are going to say you touched a chinchilla or alligator?

Overall, the Los Angeles zoo was the perfect way to start my journey. I highly encourage you to visit as they have something for everyone!(great souvenirs!!) I've added a link below to the main website. If you have any additional questions regarding my visit to the Los Angeles zoo, feel free to leave a comment and I'll definitely get back to you. Until next time...Happy traveling!



Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Address: 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Time: Monday - Sunday 10am -5pm
Price: Adult 13+ $16
          Child  2-12 $11
Parking: FREE!!
Fun: Priceless!

DON'T FORGET!!!!
Be sure to get a schedule and flier upon entrance to time your tour around the hilly park. You don't want to miss keeper talks (zookeepers interact with the animals, i.e. enrichment, feeding, checkups). Lastly, visit the Children's Zoo area, you'll have a great chance of touching an animal you wouldn't normally...(ooohhh scary!)

Bootylicious Bug

If Ms. Beyonce doesn't get enough of the spotlight, scientists recently have named a horsefly after the diva. The horsefly was first discovered in Australia in 1981, ironically Queen B's birthyear. The scientific name being Scaptia (Plinthina) beyonceae was named in honor of the insect having a rather large golden derriere. It is considered the "diva" of the insect world. Bryan Lessard, whose work was recently published stated that he hopes she takes the naming as a compliment and shed light in to entomology(the study of insects) and taxonomy(the classification of organisms). Take a look at that bum below...just this one time!

Scaptia (plinthina) beyonceae

Happy New Year!!

Hello everyone! I apologize for the hiatus...alot has been going on. Coming VERY soon(this weekend) I will be posting about my incredible trip to the Los Angeles zoo. You definitely should look forward to that!

Just for your quick viewing pleasure I have posted some "did you know?!? questions" Take a peak!

DID YOU KNOW??!?!?

1. Approximately 5000-7000 tigers are kept as "pets"-more than that exist in the wild! A tiger can be purchased for as little as $300, less than a purebred dog. (WHOA!...exotic/illegalpet trade)

2. Tarantulas are one of the top most exotic animals to own.

3. Madagascar hissing cockroaches (also a top exotic pet to own) are clean, odorless, harmless and can live for up to 1-3years. Some have been known to live up to 5! (yea....i don't do ANYTHING "cockroachy")

4. Chimpanzees have 7-10 times more strength than humans.

5. I stopped at 4 because that is my favorite number =)

Catch ya next post!