We started the trip by getting a very special close-up visit with Dixie, the mountain lion we have sponsored for several years. Prior to today we'd only been able to see her through binoculars from quite a distance when we'd visited. Her keeper delivered the blue ball to her and we were allowed to accompany her for the occasion. The ball was smeared with Vicks VapoRub, adding to the appeal of the toy. This is Dixie right after getting the ball.
Dixie (left) and her cagemate, Ozzie
There were quite a few lions out enjoying the warm afternoon.
These two were enjoying a nap in the sunshine.
As were these two.
This is a close-up of the male in the previous picture.
These tigers were napping in the shade.
This tiger spent quite awhile laying on the melting ice in his water tank. Hard to tell in the picture, but there was a large block of ice floating on a fair amount of water, so the tiger was laying in some ice cold water!
A tiger in one of the large enclosures.
This one was licking his/her paws and enjoying the afternoon sunshine.
One prefers sunshine, the other shade?
Most of the tigers seemed to prefer the sunshine.
More napping tigers, these are on the other side of the round building.
A sleeping tiger in one of the large enclosures.
This serval was drinking from the water tank...
He/she would dip a paw in, then lick the water off.
Just before we left a car drove into the employee's parking lot and all these wolves ran over to this gate. First time we've been able to see so many close up.
Another picture of the wolves.
