The Niabi Zoo

In Moline, Illinois, is the Niabi zoo.  It is a quaint, wonderful little zoo.  It was the perfect place to spend Labor Day. The day was beautiful, cool and sunny.  We arrived about 2:00pm and nearly had the place to ourselves.  

We started by riding the Niabi Express.  The ride was about 12 minutes long and took us around the entire park. 

We then walked around the entire zoo to see all the animals up close.  First, were the elephants.

Which were splendid.

Then we walked past the scary dinosaurs to the Koi pond.

Of couse we used our only quarter to buy food to feed them.

Then we saw the hippo.

Hands down, the funnest part was the pony rides.

Jace got to ride Snowflake

and Grace was on Henry.

They walked and walked and walked around in a circle forever.  There wasn't anyone waiting in line, so we got a long turn.

But that was just fine with Grace.  She shrieked and she laughed, and she bobbed up and down.  She was TOTALLY in love with Henry.

Ryan's lungs got tight and his face started to fall off, so I took the reins with the kids.

When the ride was finally over,

Grace kissed Snowball goodbye a hundred times.

Next was Lorikeet Landing.   Here we saw kangaroos and Lorikeets.

Of course we spent our last dollar buying food to feed them.

Ryan and Jace held out cups of liquid and the birds flew onto their shoulders and arms to feed.

Jace wanted us to get him one as a pet.  We happily declined his request.

The giraffes were "neat" and had really long necks, as we expected.

There were zebras, and reptiles, and monkeys, and gorillas, etc.  They were all so fascinating to see again.  It has been awhile since I have been to a zoo.

The lion was our favorite. We visited his cage almost at closing time, and he was ROARING.  I am not sure if I have heard a lion roar that close before. It is intimidating.  They are so loud and powerful sounding.  It made us realize that we could really be his lunch if we were on the African prairie and he was hungry.

Grace in her prized butterfly chair.

 To leave the park, they have all the guests exit through their gift shop --brilliant.

Of course Christopher Robin found a "really neat" safari "vehicle," that came with a lion and hippo, to take home with him.  So he spent his $5.00 on this wonderful treasure.  He sweetly shared the lion and hippo with Gracie, who loved and kissed them.

He played with his truck for about 20 minutes and then both Robin and Rue were fast asleep for the 60 mile drive home.

Now every time I see Christopher Robin playing with his safari truck, like all afternoon today, I think about our wonderful day at the zoo together, and I know he does too.  So all I can say is $5.00 well spent!