One of the directors of the program here had told us that the Dublin Zoo was the most popular attraction in the city. Monday June 4th was bank holiday Monday. We did not have classes as a result but many touristy attractions around the city were still running. Dublin Zoo is located inside Phoenix Park, a massive, sprawling park about twenty minutes from my apartment complex. Before I left, I slathered sunscreen over my exposed skin, not wanting another Howth-like sunburn.
The park is massive. At the front is a bike rental location where you can rent a bike to help you get through the truly gigantic space. I followed my google maps and found the zoo. It was madly crowded. In line and inside the zoo, there were tons of families with small children. It makes sense, zoos are a fun place to go for young kids. I was stunned though at how many kids were there, though. I’ve visited the Pittsburgh zoo a handful of times and haven’t seen it so crowded before, especially not with so many kids.
Some flowers on the way to the zoo in Phoenix Park.
I paid for a student ticket and headed inside. Quick note on the student tickets, almost any place in Dublin has student pricing and I think America should definitely take note of that. Please, my wallet is begging you.
I spent about three and a half hours inside the zoo.
I was absolutely mesmerized by the Orangutans. They had a huge swath of land with two large trees and a rope bridge connecting them in the sky. When they climbed over, they were right over your head.
Love the sass of the one in the back!
She is about to climb over!
Right overhead!
#landed
Red-Ruffed Lemur snoozing
Seal Habitat
It was a hot and the seal was napping in the sun.
This zoo trip marked a couple firsts for me, including seeing zoo animals mating or attempting to mate (the crowd gathering around that exhibit were highly amused).
The mating penguins are the ones in the back! (Not the picture of course haha)
I love the tail!
Giraffes!
Oryx!
A+ Sign
Such a strange bird
The space for the animals
Look at the top ostrich's chicken wings!
The Rinos were all snoozing as I walked around the enclosure.
And then the baby woke up and wanted attention
He tried waking up this one (unsuccessful)
He was able to get other ones up!
Not today little Rino
Okapi!
And finally the Elephants!
#familymeal
Sweet little baby!!
Bamboo forest on the way out!
After the zoo, I walked back to my apartment, tired from the busy weekend.