Personal Stuff: my trip to MTZ 2009

So today (well Monday, since it is early Tuesday morning as I type this), I had a chance to visit the Metro Toronto Zoo. I was super excited to go, and so happy that PK suggested that we go today, since it was a holiday and he didn't have to go to work :) I was really excited to use my DSLR camera as well, since I haven't used it that much lately (except for taking photos of items for the shop). When we arrived, we originally planned on going to Stingray Bay to see the stingrays and sharks and pet them (yes, pet). But unfortunately, the line was SUPER long (and we thought that even if we lined up, we wouldn't be able to pet the stingrays). I remember petting them last year, and it was such an exciting experience, but one that was not new to me, since PK used to have smaller stingrays as pets, and I used to hand feed them when they were still pups ^^ ... truely adorable and fascinating creatures~

We ended up walking around and visiting the newer exhibits that were not open last year. I was SO excited to see the polar bears and elephants! I ended up taking so many photos today, of many different animals, but those two were my absolute favourite! When we first arrived where the polar bears were located, they looked very sleepy. Actually, two were taking a nap, while a third roamed around in the back (I was really sad when I wasn't able to take a photo of the third polar bear).



When we later came back, we saw that one of the sleepy polar bears had waken up and had walked around looking for some food. When we saw him, he was chewing on some grass, and later moved over to the water area, but didn't go for a swim, as I think he had gone for one much earlier when we were walking around elsewhere. He was quite playful, shy, and so adorable! At times he got so shy because many people were looking at him, that he decided to cover his face with his paws, and pretend that he was sleeping ^^ He's my favourite polar bear~




Before we saw the polar bears, we ran into the elephants. There were 3 (two of which were really close to us, and a third which was situated further away). I was able to take a few photos, although I did get some sand in my eye because the closest one was blowing dirt around. Nevertheless, they are still amazing animals to see up close :)




I absolutely love going to the zoo whenever I have a chance! I really want to come in the winter to see the polar bears again. And I'm hoping penguins too! Wish that we had some panda bears, but we don't~

Here are some more photos from my day :) I have SO much more, but I cannot possibly upload all of them lol.



^ Definitely one of my favourite photos



^ My very first close up shot of a butterfly :)





^ I actually saw some flamingos fighting, and have a photo, but didn't upload it~






Don't you just love animals? These are just some of my favourite photos that I've taken today. What animals do you like? I definitely love the elephants, the polar bears, pandas, jaguar, etc :) I haven't edited any of these photos, since I haven't had any time to, but I think they look pretty fine just the way they are :)