Have you noticed the outside voices of some of our young ones are above the decibels one would normally hear, even outside? That’s how excited the kids were that were touring the Saskatoon Zoo and Forestry Farm Park when I was last there. I am always amazed at how much energy children can have without caffeine! Every animal they saw brought squeals of delight and one of the boys was also happy that there were rocks he could climb and slide on. Did I even once think about running over to a rock and jumping on top of it and victoriously exclaiming my athletic feat? No. Could I have done it? Also no.
Along with all of the trails and the sights, the kids can expend some energy at the Orano Fun Zone Playground. You can’t really see the kids in the picture below, because I don’t want to invade anyone’s privacy. The second shot is just beside the playground with the trees in their late autumn glory. I realize by the time you read this, there could be snow on the ground, but on my visit day, it hadn’t arrived yet.
Thank you to any of you who checked out Pumpkins After Dark at Prairieland Park this year with proceeds to the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation. This is followed by the OG outdoor light display, the BHP Enchanted Forest – November 15th to January 4th at Forestry Farm Park. Proceeds from the BHP Enchanted Forest benefit Saskatoon City Hospital and the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation. I noticed when driving in to the Zoo parking lot that work was well on its way with thousands upon thousands of lights.
I feel the BHP Enchanted Forest gives us a little brightness as we head into another winter. The inhabitants of the Zoo are ready too. I’m sure the snow leopard, Kazi, will enjoy the winter season. I couldn’t get a very good picture of him, because he was lazing on his back in a quasi private area, so please forgive the picture quality. Kazi was a part of the Snow Leopard Species Survival Plan Program, but has since retired to the Saskatoon Zoo.
The mountain goats are also winter-ready. Look at those this coats! Fun fact: mountain goats aren’t closely related to the goat family. They are actually more closely related to antelopes! You can look it up. I did, but it’s complicated, so I will leave it to you to explore.
Speaking of goats that are actually goats, the Saskatoon Zoo has pygmy goats. You can’t tell by the picture, but when I was looking head on at the goat on the right, I think she’s pregnant. Or she’s gaining weight for winter? That’s always my excuse! LOL!
I will leave you with a picture of a very hardy fall plant – sedum. No matter the season, the Saskatoon Zoo and Forestry Farm Park is a beautiful place.
If you would like to support the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation, click here: Donate – Saskatoon Zoo Foundation
The Zoo Foundation raises funds for capital projects, like for instance, a larger habitat for the bears. The goal is to connect all of us with nature, while promoting education, conservation and research.
Your Saskatoon Zoo Foundation Blogger,
Carol Thomson
