4.11.2009

A Very Special Zoo (The Finale!!)


This is one of the three American Bald Eagles with a missing wing.

On Day 2 of our trip to Big Bear, we walked 0.4 mile from our cabin to Moonridge Zoo. It is a small, but very exotic zoo because all of the animals are rescued from the wild. We do not see the majority of the animals who have sojourned here, because their injuries are mild and they recover quickly and are re- released into the wild. Those that do remain for us to admire are the ones who are orphans, or are so injured they will never survive in the wild.



Despite their physical condition, like broken/missing limbs/wings, or blindness, these beautiful creatures gracefully live out their lives. Because of their disabilities, we can see them up close and personal(and this is far more amazing than the faraway, microscopic view we see at SD Wild Animal Park!) Thanks to them, we are able to learn so much about them as they live freely, even in captivity.

Perhaps, when we go through physical or emotional struggles, we allow others to see up close that none of us are perfect. Yet God's power, joy, and peace shine brightest in the darkest nights. Let us trust Him in the snowy seasons of our lives, because one day we will understand fully His good and perfect plan for each of us.



Here is a nesting vulture who kept ignoring the fresh rat offered to her. She kept eating the two day old rat and was reprimanded by the zookeeper. Abbie asked, "Why is the mouse sleeping?"


Kids were grossed out by the 'fresh food', aka: dead rats and chicks.


Ok, to clear my name as "The Girl who cried Wolf" (or "Bear"), I've enclosed this picture to prove that there are REAL, moving bears in the area (that we know of). The five of them are beary friendly, and loved to sit around and eat oranges and bear snacks. Can you see one here?


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