{"id":871,"date":"2015-10-05T19:49:18","date_gmt":"2015-10-05T19:49:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/isobaresoffit.com\/?p=871"},"modified":"2015-10-05T20:15:56","modified_gmt":"2015-10-05T20:15:56","slug":"a-day-at-the-zoo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/isobaresoffit.com\/2015\/10\/05\/a-day-at-the-zoo\/","title":{"rendered":"A Day at the Zoo"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"44b90cb1a2744277b88c643adca06419\"<\/a>Over the weekend we visited the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo located here in Colorado Springs.\u00a0 Having been to zoo’s in many other cities, including Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Denver, and Dallas, just to name a few, we can say that this zoo is truly world class.\u00a0 Situated in the foothills south of Pikes Peak, the zoo is the only mountainside zoo in America.\u00a0 The exhibits are all meant to take advantage of the areas’ natural beauty as well as provide an environment suitable for each of the over\u00a0750\u00a0animals, representing nearly 150 species, 30 of which are on the endangered list, that inhabit the zoo.\u00a0 We enjoy the zoo so much that we decided to become members so that we could benefit the animals as well as give us the opportunity to enjoy more of the special events that are held at the zoo.<\/p>\n

\"Giraffe\"<\/a>
Giraffe<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Siberian<\/a>
Siberian Tiger<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Lion<\/a>
Lion Cubs<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Since the zoo sits in the mountains, you’ll want to bring your walking shoes as the zoo is spread out across over 140 acres and there is a good gain in elevation as you work your way up through each of the different exhibit zones.\u00a0 And if the views on the ground aren’t good enough, there is a chairlift ride that will take you over top of the zoo where you can see for miles around.\u00a0 Each section of the zoo is set up to mirror the natural habitats of the animals within it and each also has unique attractions, making it a joy for all to explore.<\/p>\n

\"Porcupine\"<\/a>
Porcupine<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Mountain<\/a>
Mountain Tapir<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Elephant\"<\/a>
Elephant<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

You start in the African Rift Valley which is home to the giraffes and meerkats.\u00a0 From there you can head to Encounter Africa with the Rhinos and Elephants or to Asian Highlands with an assortment of big cats.\u00a0 You’ll definitely want to check out the Rocky Mountain Wild for a look at the grizzlies and mountain lions or take a look at the wallabies in the Australia Walkabout.\u00a0 There are plenty of places to stop and rest as you make your way through the zoo and there is even a place to get an adult beverage if you’re in the mood.<\/p>\n

\"Grizzly<\/a>
Grizzly Bear<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Wallaby\"<\/a>
Wallaby<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Meerkat\"<\/a>
Meerkat<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sitting above the zoo, and included in your price of admission, is the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun.\u00a0 At 8,136 feet above sea level, it has spectacular views and is well worth the short drive up the side of the mountain.\u00a0 Built by Spenser Penrose and dedicated to Will Rogers who died in plane crash in Alaska in 1935, the tower has been a landmark in the area since its completion in 1937.\u00a0 Its a tuff walk up the stairs to the top, but you won’t regret it.<\/p>\n

\"Will<\/a>
Will Rogers Shine of the Sun<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"View<\/a>
View from the Shrine<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Broadmoor<\/a>
Broadmoor Hotel from the Shrine<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Regardless of what animal is your favorite, whether you have kids or don’t, a day at the zoo is a day well spent.\u00a0 For the first time this autumn, the temperatures felt seasonable and cool, which everyone seemed to enjoy, including the animals who all seemed to be very active.\u00a0 As the Simon and Garfunkel song says in their song At the Zoo<\/em>, everyone should take some time to go the zoo “and the animals will love it if you do”.<\/p>\n

\"Orangutan\"<\/a>
Orangutan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Airplane<\/a>
Airplane at the Zoo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Entrance\"<\/a>
Entrance<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\n
\n\n
\nName(required)<\/span><\/label>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\n
\nEmail(required)<\/span><\/label>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\n
\nWebsite<\/label>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\n
\nComment(required)<\/span><\/label>\n<\/textarea>\n\t<\/div>\n\t

\n\t\t