The Zoo in New York!

We took Jack to the zoo today to check out the animals before it gets too cold. He has been to the zoo once before, but he was a little young and didn't really see the animals very well. This time he had no problem recognizing the animals and liked to see them walking around. Here are Dad and Jack checking out some ducks!

He loves spending time with Dad. Sander has to work a lot (both at his job and then at home on his thesis), so he doesn't get to spend much time with him. We'll all be glad when the thesis defense is all over!

Jack especially liked the monkeys. I believe this is an orangutan he's posing in front of. He likes gorillas, too, but there weren't any at this zoo.

Jack came across some polar bears hanging out in one of the buildings. He liked to touch their soft fur. I have to say, though, this zoo doesn't seem very protective of the animals or the patrons! How can they have wild animals roaming about...

Here is a tame animal we found on a playground. Jack loves to trumpet like an elephant. He always has to raise one arm like the elephant's trunk while he makes the noise.

He wishes he could ride on a real elephant some day. Maybe for his second birthday party. Hmm...

Jack found a pumpkin that had been pecked and bitten by the various birds, chipmunks, and squirrels that are found everywhere at the zoo. He wanted to pick it up and take it home, but he settled for a leaf instead.

And what zoo trip is complete without a trip down the slide with Dad? We all had tons of fun at the zoo. Hopefully we can go back again soon!