Flamingos, white-nosed coatis and elephants, oh my!
Those were just a few of the animals CC tracked down at the L.A. Zoo this weekend for the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association's annual "Searching Safari" event for Safari Club patron families (and some press, like me).
The gratis event, for members who make donations of $1,500 and above, began early in the morning with a continental breakfast of pastries, fruit, coffee and hot chocolate. As families were fueling up for the morning's adventures, kids (mine included) were getting their faces painted to look like monkeys, tigers and other zoo-friendly likenesses. (A funny coincidence, the face painters hailed from Paint on Your Face, the same awesome company we hired for CC's 4th birthday party!)
After some cheery words from GLAZA president Connie Morgan about the search (you know, for love, happiness and all that), which had more than 200 people in attendance, families readied themselves with maps and cameras.
Preschool and elementary-aged kiddos were hot on the trail, identifying animals that fit such clues as:
"I'm a bird, so my nose is called a beak. I use my beak to scoop up tiny shrimp called brine shrimp. Eating brine shrimp makes my feathers bright pink."
All together now: Flamingo!
What was adorable was that each new discovery brought another clue, some encouraging words and a small prize ("We are a nonprofit, after all," quipped Morgan). CC was happy to take home a elephant-themed coloring book, a giraffe-designed notebook and a couple of cute stuffed animals.
The scavenger hunt ultimately brought everyone to the new Elephants of Asia exhibit, where one of the giant animals was stepping gingerly in the newly trucked-in snow for the weekend's "Snow Days" festivities. Union Ice provided the snow for the various animal habitats.
We had a wonderful time and were happy to be invited. (Although we are big fans of the zoo, we aren't yet part of the Safari Club ourselves.) We do, however, encourage any contributions to this worthwhile and family-friendly L.A. destination.
Los Angeles Zoo and the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association
5333 Zoo Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
323-644-4200
Click here to support the L.A. Zoo.
I love LA Zoo! We have the family membership and I love just going when we feel like it.
ReplyDeleteWe went this past Sunday "SNOW DAYS" and loved seeing the bear and tigers playing in the snow...Lions and hippos were up and moving around. Great day all around.
"Snow Days" is such a great idea! We love the zoo, too! :)
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