Cleveland Zoo

Cleveland's Metroparks Zoo is rated one of the best in the country.  It sprawls across 168 acres of what the brochure calls "rolling" countryside.  In fact, if you visit the "Northern Trek" area, you climb up to the top of a steep ravine.  Too late we realized that we could have taken the Zoo Tram to the top, and then walked back downhill to the entrance plaza!

You begin your trek at the Welcome Plaza.

Several Amish families were touring the zoo on this day.

The hippos made it clear that a telephoto lens is essential
for photographing animals at a zoo.

The Cleveland Zoo was founded in 1882, making it the 7th oldest zoo in the U.S.  Five years ago it welcomed over 1.2 million visitors.  Along with the Cleveland Indians it is the top attraction in northern Ohio.

Brad and Joyce under the Fulton Rd. Bridge,
starting our long upward trek.

A grizzly bear — not an animal I want
to meet in the wild.

An Aldabra tortoise on the move... slowly.
Note the second tortoise relaxing in the water.

A tree-dwelling something-or-other.

Brad and Joyce watch the monkeys.

Signage is always important at facilities like this.  Alas, it's not always clear what animal you are looking at.  But some are so familiar they need no introduction.

Two cheetahs nap in the dappled midday shade. 

A snow leopard watches the humans watching him!

This elephant gathered up a mouthful of hay with his trunk,
gave it a delicate shake, and then munched happily.

My favorite was the giraffe feeding, a popular photo op
for parents.  Giraffes have wonderfully long tongues!

The Metroparks Zoo is certainly worth a stop if you are in the Cleveland area! •••