I wanted to see Pandas !

So off i went to the Zoo & its new area, River Safari. I was happily surprised that our decades-old zoo has been quietly updating its exhibitions & enclosures. Recently, the zoo added a new area called River Safari where the pandas were held. It was a really fun day. :) We ended up watching the feeding of a polar bear. Cuteness overload - he reminded me of a giant white retriever. Let the photos speak for themselves







When we were at the polar bear enclosure - we were all curious as to why the bear was stranded outdoors under the hot afternoon sun. He was waiting impatiently at the door, clawing it with his paw.


Then we noticed the other side, the zoo keepers were preparing his food in the form of a solid ice cube with pieces of fish frozen within.


When the door opened, he hungrily marched towards his food.


The smart bear started to lick, bite & claw the ice block into smaller pieces.



He used his paw & nose to push the block towards the door. Everyone watching within the chamber was laughing & cheering him on.



Then he started to push the ice block towards the pool




Once he succeeded, he was swimming and twirling his body around the cube. For a moment like this, priceless.


The Red Panda





They had a panda theme restaurant within the River Safari area. :) It was red bean inside - but honestly, how could anyone resist a face like that.



Part of the River Safari highlights were its various aquariums to mimic rivers, mangroves & the sea. One of my favorites was the manatees exhibit. They were so docile and like their namesakes - sea cows - so slow & peaceful.