Wildwood Wildlife Park

All summer we've been promising Nolan a trip to the zoo, and with our move taking up the bulk of the sunny days, we just haven't had time.  But, last Sunday, as we were finishing breakfast and realizing what a beautiful day it was outside, we decided to pack the kids up and take them to the Wildwood Wildlife Park in Minocqua.  It turned out to be perfect - going this late in the season meant that their were no crowds, the temperature was perfect, and the animals were active.  We enjoyed the petting zoo area with the mischievous goats, fascinating tortoises, and the cuddly little bunnies.  And we loved getting up close and personal with the many deer throughout the park.

My favorite animal encounter of the day was with this guy - this gorgeous white Bengal tiger.  We were walking by his enclosure and he was lying right by the gate so I stopped to talk to him.  And he talked back to me!!  Seriously!  He let out these adorable purrs and groans, which were most certainly happy kitty sounds, and then stood up on his haunches onto the fence.  I couldn't believe it!  I realize he could eat me if he wanted, but he sounded so sweet!

The next stop was the giraffes.  We love that the Wildwood zoo offers the opportunity to feed the giraffes.  It's so cool to be up close to such amazing creatures.  And man, is their tongue LONG!!  Nolan was really brave about it and fed Teeke several carrots.  Livi was not quite as enthused, and really was NOT thrilled when Teeke, the big male giraffe, decided to give her a big ole sloppy lick on the face. 

We spent the rest of our time there checking out the smaller animals.  I even braved a (very fast) walk through the reptile house.

I really loved this quote that they had displayed in their education area.  It really speaks to the importance of education - not only about animals and our environment, but so many other things as well.  Teachers, in the broadest sense of the word, are so important.  Teachers are what ensure the survival of all things beautiful in our culture and in our world, from music and art to the diverse beauty in God's creation to kindness to our neighbors.  We must be teachers to one another and help others learn to understand, love, and conserve those many very special gifts around us.