San Diego Zoo

Flamingos are the first to greet us as we pass the entrance

San Diego Zoo

We were here 5 years ago but just had to return to San Diego's world class zoo.  We were joined by our Montana buds, Bert & Janie who came over from Borrego for a couple of days to visit. They would return later for a 12-day stay, here in Chula Vista.  Lot's of photos will tell the story but these are only a snapshot of all the zoo has to offer.

With not a care in the world, baby Panda is the featured star of the zoo 

... and watchful Mom

And Dad: "what have I done, what have I done... and how will I
 put all that bamboo on the table,... and Panda school...OMG"

Yes, I'll capitalize on all these dumb looking humans.
 Panda hats, Panda shirts, Pandas stuffed in all sizes, ...and of
course Panda shot glasses, no stone will be left unturned.

Next stop, the Koala Bear, who has his own themed gift shop

We looked on as some nitwit woman fed him thorn branches.
He didn't seem to mind though. 

Just another bad hair day.

Can't remember what this is but I can't help wondering
 why this particular pattern is optimal for survival.

Desert Sheep, we've seen many of these on hikes 

All kinds of exotic and local birds

And of course Elephants. We would learn on a later whale watch that the blue whale
 weighs as much as 18-20 of these giants

And their pedicurist

Active and playful the crowd pleasing Otter

One of two Grizzlies relocated as cubs after learning "bad"
habits from mom.  That is raiding campsite trash and stealing
pic-a-nic baskets.  Yogi is a very bad influence for young bears.