The Okinawa Zoo is only a few miles from home, and I pass it several times a week on my way to the gym. Avery has been on a real kick with animals lately (mostly making their noises), so when we finally got a break from the rain this weekend we hopped in the car and made the short drive.
The big animals intimidated her at first -- I guess her books didn't prepare her for their true size -- and the zoo here lets you get pretty darned close to some of the big guys. The first big exhibit was the hippos, who were getting fed. I thought it was pretty awesome, but the toddler in my life was less impressed.
Avery was fairly worried for a few minutes, but she warmed up more to the giraffes. By the time we got to the elephants, she was relaxed and let me put her down. She immediately recognized them from her books and got really excited. Then she sat on my lap and watched the Japanese kids feed the "elfans" for awhile. I'm not sure if the kids or the elephants were happier! Today wasn't our day, but I'm sure before we leave the island, Avery will be handing over the greens.
The turtles really sealed the deal for her. Turtles are one of her favorite animals, and much more familiar to her. She has already been up close and personal with them a few times at the Okinawa Churami Aquarium, plus they're a little bit more her size!
After the turtles, Avery decided she was having the greatest day ever and it was full speed ahead from there.
She likes fish even more than turtles (more than everything, really), so the pond was a big hit. We bought some fish food (she quickly dubbed them "crackers"), and it didn't take her long to figure out how to chuck pieces into the water for the fish and fowl to fight over.
We rounded out our trip with a visit to the petting zoo. There were chicks, bunnies, goats, and turtles for touching. Avery wasn't particularly interested in handling them, but she gave them each a few tentative pets. To be honest, her favorite thing was probably the toddler-sized sink, but the chicks were pretty popular, too.
It's not the greatest zoo that I've been too -- being raised on Point Defiance Zoo and Woodland Park, my standards are pretty high--but it's not the worst, either. Admittedly, the monkeys all alone in their small cages made me sad, but most of the other animals had decent enclosures, and they all appeared well cared for. There are also ocean views, beautiful flowers, and several more fun areas we didn't get a chance to explore today (including a playground, fishing area, pony rides, a carousel, and an interactive kids museum). We will definitely be back -- its small size makes it a perfect morning outing, its close proximity means we can go often, and I think Avery will enjoy it more and more as she gets older. And for only $5.00 (and free under 4), it's a great bargain.
PS -- Don't worry about the language barrier. They've got that covered.
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| If that's not self-explanatory I don't know what is. |
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