Hanoi Zoo

Pearce as usual woke up with pancakes in mind and then added out of the blue, Zoo Mama. In Hawaii we have a year round pass to the Honolulu Zoo. Pearce is a zoo zealot. There is interactive activities for a two year old that blows his mind into sheer bliss. So his wish was my command. Pearce and I took a taxi. The day's forecast was rain, rain and more rain. So we were ready to get wet. The entrance of the zoo was something I would pass by without even a thought that it was a zoo. It was only 50 cents to get in. And by the conditions of the animals in the cages I think they need to charge more. Off the zoo entrance was the bird sanctuaries where about a dozen cages held the largest to smallest birds. The whole area was flooded. Regardless we walked through a couple of inches of muddy water to see:

I am not a bird expert, but I think this is a crane. Very large and scary. Pearce was hesitant to stand to close to take a picture.

Pearce and an ostrich.

No shortage of parrots at the Hanoi Zoo. At least 3o birds were distributed throughout 5 different cages.

This is where the Zoo is making the real money. Rides are 60 cents. And Pearce enjoyed at least 10 dollars worth.

From the bird sanctuary we followed the pathway to a bridge that connects to a long island. Arguably the most peaceful location in all of Hanoi.

On this island we saw countless cages of very hyper monkeys. Each cage contained 6-8 monkeys ranging from different ages wildly chattering, screaming and chasing each other. We spent most of our zoo time watching in amazement. It was very entertaining. Pearce named this monkey, 'Crazy.' A good observation for a two year old. The monkey really did act like it belonged in a straight-jacket.

At the end of the island we crossed over another bridge, and this contraption was awaiting us. I believe it wins for most obscure entertainment device at a zoo this year. It's a giant clear circular air mattress that you can climb into and roll around the lake. I would love to hear from anyone who has had first hand experience in this plastic bubble. Unfortunately Pearce wasn't up for anything that weird. I think we should get one for the next Lake Powell trip.

We saw crocodiles, bears, tigers, goats, and more monkeys. It was sad to see the state of many of these majestic animals in such small quarters. But it took me over the edge to see the elephants chained by all four feet to stand, eat, and poop in the same place all day. I was so close to jumping over the the fence and freeing them. They're so depressed that all they did the whole time we watched was sway side to side.

I think Pearce even felt sad for them too.

A few more rides on a space ship was a perfect way to cheer up Pearce. The minute he sat in the cockpit of his space vehicle Pearce was talking away and looking behind him at the imaginary crew of bad guys following him. I love to see his imagination turned on. As a mother there is nothing more satisfying.