A small town zoo

Multiple people at my work have been telling me all about the Zollman Zoo at Oxbow Park in Byron, MN. Many said "It isn't Minnesota Zoo by any means, but it is a fun place to spend a couple of hours." Since Sunday was a beautiful day, we decided to venture the 18 miles west to see it.

It is a very cute zoo with all Minnesota animals. Most of them were injured at one time and wouldn't be able to survive in the wild. Somehow though I think the animals got tricked to thinking they are in the circus. The otters put on a great show. Then this porcupine danced to Penelope's ABCs:

Isn't that hilarious? He pretty much danced for anyone who came by his cage.

I couldn't get a good picture of this, but here's the difference of a small zoo vs a metropolitan zoo. The Minnesota Zoo is always educating about animals natural habitats, behaviors and conservation. At the Zollman zoo we arrived at breakfast, so a good time to learn about what bears eat. This bear was eating donuts. Yes, donuts. And not just a plain cake donut, a chocolate covered donut. He did have a pile of fruit but saved that until after the donut. Good to see that all species have their priorities straight when it comes to sugar and fat laden breakfast. I said maybe this is to teach us what the bear would eat at our campsite?

Here's the badger. Now I think he gets a bad rap. He spends his whole day burrowing holes and tunnels in his enclosure. The next morning the zookeeper comes in and breaks up all the holes so he can start over and have something to do today. Now I don't know about you, but if I showed up to work to have my boss undo everything I did the day before I'd probably spit and hiss and run around crazed like a...well, like a badger.

A very puffed up turkey. He seemed really concerned that we were going to steal away one of his many female turkeys.

They have many owls. This guy didn't have an eye. I've never seen an owl move his head around so much. I guess that would be necessary with only one eye. Glad he found a home at this zoo.

They have 2 majestic bald eagles.

Oxbow Park also has a lot of hiking paths and camping. There's some green showing up due to our unseasonably warm spring. We'll have to go back when everything is in bloom.

Always need a stick when going for a hike.

Our constant problem with Penny's jeans. This is why she wears sweats and leggings most of the time.  Tough to teach a 3 year old how to manage a belt when sometimes she just barely makes it to the potty.

Lots of playing with my camera settings. It was cloudy so pretty good lighting for photos.

And it is true that the "You will have a child just like you" curse lives on. When I was little I always stopped walking and whined. I think I was in the 3rd grade when my Uncle Dwight gave me a piggyback ride at the Volksmarch. We refused to pick Penelope up so she finally got up and started walking.