![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6AJEvy9R-ffaXW9Tw0nqZ5SC6BoU7ukuU17sJ7ezTY1UEpyzhMPQY9vKwCJrNSy5hMtpEELY1Vy5jxQz37KnE-MXTKatfhVRKoBEzwgEiK8gP7rT4NbmozBbjibfLjmKpCAcmr2b7ev-8/s400/IMG_4711.JPG)
I love going to zoos, and taking pictures of the animals. I know it's kind of lame to take pictures of animals in cages, but I like it anyway.
These turtles were in a pond outside the entrance. Apparently, everyone drops off their unwanted turtles here, and the place is being overrun.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0WogXfnnd8gF-Wa9xVH64mMjYufgGb1ClezGbYSONm9nGuwYaE3esDVwBaSpkhJ6gNm7fUahTLSc6g4pP1tT7ilDfWH458dPjGlpOAYj_PPXxUnZWXOWSwmwJ9szopYrKt1Lz-JpONMR/s400/IMG_4727.JPG)
One problem of taking pictures at this particular zoo is that all the animals are in the shade. But who can blame them?
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The Phoenix Zoo is nice because it's just the right size. But it has a long way to go to catch up with some of the zoos I've been to recently, like
St. Louis and
Omaha.
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Both the tiger and the lion were in fairly small enclosures.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFy4vRAkXydighSruEDtUaAIOGXcbiac54I2bNi7VL0RPcQdqfHxLQUP4r-F8HQnR1s9-c_kv1F9c-GjyT5GmNRSPrc6T0ElA9VOjFUdyJPRsbMiMFDgOQyiJHn19u_yHg3GGCp34_u5B/s400/IMG_4768.JPG)
But this little Andean bear (aka Spectacled Bear) had a huge complex all to himself. Apparently, he has a rich sponsor.
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The Orangutans also have a brand new complex. This baby came out long enough to pick up some broccoli -
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Then hightailed it back to the shade.
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They had several giant tortoises from the Galapagos Islands. Not sure if I've ever seen them before.
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This Rhinoceros was on medical watch. He doesn't look too good. Maybe he should move to the shade...
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The California Condors were pretty unusual. They have a wingspan of 10 feet!
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I just love the prairie dogs - soooo cute.
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I got a glimpse of the Bighorn Sheep far in the distance. I probably could have walked up a steep hill to get closer, but isn't that what zoom lenses are for?
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBVlC1byp5O-UTCXz8TLZkirlYWWaciJ1UzVqzmNMveeakLPxBSD0z5jlpcvo2I6t_z67sE-as23ZqvcgqYd7GgyvblJj-Zr9l2mnLexDhtYJ8lqjdxMarVgTgHLuP5kDWY9dqMwH7ym0v/s400/IMG_4744.JPG)
This unusual monkey is a Mandrill from Africa. His bright coloring helps him attract females.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHE3DTYsCO_X2dSt61NhTsnvcCzPyphBLSR7F3xsVFW5CcA0DzRzTdHh4wI3Olyjr7Cqwzimag_j1dGnSd2YDXaKt-ilzA5gbSqDhnnj0omflDtpDVDqVomzHatfq_JuCPWD62vRjCvWKN/s400/IMG_4749.JPG)
But this little monkey was the funniest. He really wanted to interact with the kids on the other side of the glass. Wonder how much they pay him to pose?