Zoo-rrrrific!

A couple days ago, we (along with my brother Peter and his wife Céline) visited the Naples Zoo.  Although the zoo is not super large by any means, it offers so many activities and

attractions that we were kept busy for a minimum of three hours.  Within minutes of starting our walk down the main trail, we boarded the "Wild Cruise," a guided catamaran journey through tiny islands of apes, monkeys and lemurs.  The short, 20-minute cruise was entertaining and educational, but sitting in the sun...not so much!

As we disembarked from the catamaran, we were informed that a live show near the zoo's entrance would be starting soon, so off we went back the way we came.  We were lucky to be seated in the front row, as we were treated to the best views.  The two hosts were quite funny, their performance geared mostly to those under the age of 12.  But we enjoyed seeing the animals up close, especially the skunk, owl and sloth. 

By the time the show ended, I should mention it was at least 90 degrees in the shade, and we were beginning to wilt!  All four of us agreed it was time for a bite of lunch and a cool drink of water.  Following a half hour rest period, we got back on the trail to see what the rest of the zoo had to offer.  There was your usual fare:  leopards, lions, tortoises, but the biggest treat was the giraffes.  They were beautiful.  Children were allowed to feed them a lettuce leaf for a nominal $5 fee (gulp!) while the adults oooohhh-ed and awwww-ed.  Let me tell you, I'd like to know where these giraffes get their mascara! 

Conveniently, the end of the main trail took us right into the zoo's souvenir shop.  We enjoyed our time there mostly because of the air conditioning.  Tired and pleased with our day, we headed home for a much-deserved rest.