A Mammoth Good Time

Thanks to my good blog-friend, Mel, a PR tour de force, I was given an invitation to the behind-the-scenes VIP opening of the new Elephant Odyssey exhibit at the world-famous San Diego Zoo.

The San Diego Zoo, along with the Wild Animal Park, has played a big role in my family's life. I think a Zoo Pass is about the best bargain for family entertainment there is--when my kids were young we often went to the zoo once a week or more. MVP would probably have been a lover of all things wild and reptilian without the zoo exposure, but it was great to be able to feed his passion in a way that was fun for the whole family. You'll know I'm not a corporate shill if you read this post--my love for the zoo is pure and unadulterated by commercial interests!

The sneak peek at Elephant Odyssey did not disappoint. This is an amazing exhibit--7.5 acres in total with 35 species of animals with the 2.5 acre elephant portion sporting a pool among the amenities. If you live in San Diego or are planning a visit here, the zoo is a must-visit. I would have said that even before the new exhibit opened, but this is just one more reason to make sure the zoo is on your agenda.

So . . . I have a few gazillion pictures to share.

                                                  The main attraction

Up close with the animals. There's an owl, a desert tortoise, a crocodile and a singing dog. MVP got to have a lengthy one-on-one conversation with the herpetologist--great conversation for a wildlife biology major.

There were two special highlights for me.

This movie plays within a cool, dark tunnel and the flooring is super-spongy. I can just picture a tired, hot mama taking a much-needed break with her tired, hot children snuggled on her lap, watching baby elephants cavort on screen.

This one is just because I'm a total dork and was enamored of being in places that will never again be open to the public. And I like the idea that the keepers can wash their uniforms and store their dusty boots at work.

 

How could you not be enchanted by the living, freaky-cool, circulating appetizer table?

Is anyone else a fan of Ace of Cakes? These cakes were too cool for words.

                   It's safe to say a good time was had by all.

L-R: MVP's friend Victoria, MVP, Jenn, SIL Kim, Kim's Mom Billie, Nephew Chris, Mr. Fix-it.

Thanks to Mel and to Drew at the San Diego Zoo for inviting me to be part of this great event.

Comments

[kcinnova]

SnakeMaster would definitely love to visit! He'd also like to hang out with MVP and talk all things reptilian.

Grinning here over your photo of a well-organized laundry facility. Why does this not surprise me? ;)

[Suzy]

I love elephants and I love Ace of Cakes and I can't believe they met at the Zoo. (It's all happening at the Zoo...)

[vodkamom]

I always LOVED the SD Zoo! When I did my student teaching in San Diego it was a GREAT field trip!

I went there many times on my own just because it was so awesome.

[Busy Bee Suz]

Wonderful pictures Jenn!!!
Looks like a fun day for all...yes, I liked the laundry room too. :)
Singing dog? Did he really sing? And what kind of songs???
:)

[Jen on the Edge]

Oh wow, that's so great. Way better than the elephant house at the National Zoo in D.C.

[Madge]

that looks like so much fun. we always have a an annual pass to the zoo. best deal ever. hopefully will make it to the san diego zoo somseday....

[Student Mum]

Sounds great, London Zoo is our 'local' Zoo and although 'historical' nowhere near as exciting as San diego sounds.

There is an award on my blog for you :).

[debbie]

Oh my!! What a wonderful way to spend the day!! I canNOT wait to go....will show the boys the pictures of the 'phants...we love 'em!!
That circulating appetizer table looked a bit freaky, but....were those tortilla roll-ups on the table? Freaky or not...I'd eat!!

[Little Miss Sunshine State]

That was a great opportunity for MVP!

My sister-in-law's twin and her family live in San Diego and my niece and nephews love to go to the zoo when they visit out there.

[Fannie]

Haven't been to the SD zoo in ages. What a great opportunity!

[Susan]

I love elephants - the new exhibit looks great. Last time I was at the SD zoo it was a corporate event and we saw some of the normally off limits stuff - I agree, it adds a lot to the experience!

[Zelzee]

Love to visit our zoo! But the San Diego Zoo is fantastic!!!

My little ones could spend the entire day there, and never a moment of fussiness!!!

[gary]

singing DOG?

[Janet]

Hey...that looks like a shiba!!!

[jenrantsraves]

Looks like fun! I love our zoo, although I could do without the crowds when I've gone lately. The coolest thing we have is a tunnel you walk through, that you can see polar bears swimming in the water above and around you. Very cool!

[she]

Looks like a good time was had by all!

Awesome photos!

[imom]

I would love to do a behind the scenes at our zoo!! What fun! I love your pictures.

I've only been to the San Diego Zoo once and that was in 1981, I'm betting things are different now!

[Mel, A Dramatic Mommy]

I'm glad you could make it!

[JCK]

I wish we had a zoo like yours here. Ours is just not the same...by any stretch.

[used computers]

I think that's no doubt no longer true, but it's possible that what the world needs now is a really good stripped down 6-megapixel entry level which could be best for capturing pictures.

[Family Entertainment]

I loved going to zoos when I was younger and I love taking my children and niece to them now. I just wish we had more zoos around us to visit. Maybe I will plan a cross country road trip for this summer for my family to see how many zoos we can visit.

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