What a Zoo!

Some of my favorite places to visit are zoos, so when I went to Baltimore, I just had to visit the Maryland Zoo!


No hippos (except when I visit) at this zoo, but there are rhinoceroses. Please note, rhinos have horns on their snouts, and hippos do not. Knowing the difference is very important-after all, this isn't "Rhinograms." They're still nifty creatures, though.


I asked these guys if anyone wanted to be my Personal Penguin, but they were all busy. The seagulls said they were busy, too.


This friendly giraffe was nice enough to bend down to fit in the picture. I still had to step waaaaaay back to fit the whole giraffe in the frame.


I learned a lot about the arctic...


Like how NOT to go trick or treating if you live where there are polar bears.


This zoo also has a farm area,


And a place to brush goats. Here's my friend after I brushed his hair. Say "goat cheese!"


One of the unique things about the Maryland Zoo is learning about the local wildlife. I got to see how I measure up to the orange spotted turtles.


...or not.


I had so much fun, I can hardly wait for my next visit!

Storytime

Hazel and the Crew Reading
Originally uploaded by hazel_hippo

When the winds turn cold and snow begins to hide the grass, it's a good time to stay in a cozy place and read stories.

Hippo's friend Hazel shared this photo of her reading to some fluffy friends. She must be a very good reader, because her personal penguin seems very interested.

I just hope the choice of reading material, Hippos Go Berserk!, doesn't indicate a plan that might land them all on Santa's naughty list this year.

Personal Penguin

Hippo likes penguins, as many hippos do. But he's never had one offer to be his own personal penguin. After enjoying a nice concert at the Kennedy Center, he found this book in the gift shop:


It's the story of an affectionate penguin who is devoted to being companions with its beloved hippo.

Now, lots of other penguins seem to do fine
In the universe of nothing but ice.
But if I could be yours, and you could be mine,
Our cozy little world would be twice as nice.
I want to be Your Personal Penguin.

There's even a song by Monkee Davy Jones to go along!