Camels and Zebras and Llamas, Oh My!

Abby had her first big-time field trip today!  We went to the Global Wildlife Center in Louisiana.  It's an amazing place, we've been several times with Ellie's field trips, but this was Abby's first visit.  And she LOVED every minute of our trip!  When we pulled in the gates, hundreds of wild deer ran past our car, and then we drove by a kangaroo.   It totally surprised Abby -- she was sooo excited! We took a LOT of photos. . .
 Here are Abby and her sweet friend Lylah checking out the scenery when we first arrived.

Loaded up on the wagon train pulled by a tractor, ready for the ride through the wilderness to begin!

(sideways, sorry!)  Each child received a cup of all-natural grain/grass feed for the animals. 

First stop, the deer area!  Hundreds of deer, in a variety of species.  Abby was a little timid at first as they approached the wagon.  But as soon as she saw us feed the deer from our hands, she wanted to try too!

Soaking it all in!

What animals are next, Lylah?

Abby called these "Santa's Deer" because of their fuzzy horns.

Camel close-up!

We went through several cups of feed!

Llamas!!!  My personal favorite!  They nibbled feed from our hands with their silly llama lips!

(sideways!)  Abby & Lylah

Buffalo!

Sweet Daddy snuggles mid-ride.

Happy Abby!

Look at this cow's tongue!  It's about 15 inches long and curled up at the end -- all the better to eat with, my dear!

(sideways!)  Amazing colors and patterns all in a row! 
The zebras are mean and we were told not to feed them, but the giraffes were so very gentle and graceful.  There were several babies.  All the giraffes ate from our hands, too.  They are fascinating creatures.

Love that skinny neck!

Well, hello there!

(sideways!) Abby was able to actually pet the giraffe!  It was her favorite part of the entire trip!!  They are soft as velvet and so quiet and tame.

Little zebra baby!

It was a beautiful sunny day full of amazing animals and the happy sounds of pre-schoolers' giggles and delight!
On our way out of the park, we stopped in the gift shop where Abby selected a sparkly giraffe for a souvenir.  She named it J.Perkins (came up with that all by herself!).
After a yummy meal of feta, pepperoni, bacon and parmesan pizza (it was called "Sweep the Floor") at one of our favorite pizza joints, we headed toward Brookhaven with Abby and J. Perkins snuggling all the way.