Cat lover anonymous

When I saw new construction going on where a couple of old houses were recently torn down, I worried about the feral cats that used to live there. (I have a soft spot for cats.) But then I saw that someone else with a heart for stray cats was already on it—there was an alternate food and water location right across the street. Phew, what a relief!

"People who love cats have some of the biggest hearts around."
~ Susan Easterly

If you've come as far as Downey...

When you have friends who've come all the way from the Midwest to visit you in Downey, what's another 2-hour drive to go see the wonderful animals at SeaWorld in San Diego? Especially when the Shamu show is ending after this year?

After the death of a trainer in 2010 and a lot of protests by animal rights activists, "SeaWorld has ended its killer whale breeding program, making the orcas in our care the last generation. Our whales are still here, and they will still be here for many years to come, living and thriving under the best veterinary care. While the animals are with us, we will be changing their habitats and their performances. The all-new orca experiences will soon take place in more natural looking habitats, and with a focus on the whales’ natural behaviors." (SeaWorldCares)

Even now, the Shamu show we saw was a lot different than the one I remember from 10 years ago. The whales still jump and spin and spray people with water (and seem to enjoy every minute of it), but there's no in-the-water interaction any more. Still, the orcas are beautiful creatures, and a joy to watch.

And then there are the sea lions, who pose and bark for fish. Since the last time I was there, SeaWorld has installed special portals through which you can slide the fish directly into the sea lion's mouth. This is fun for everyone except the snowy egrets, because they used to be able to snatch thrown fish right out of the air before the sea lion could get it.

And there are also the polar bears! They seem as cute and cuddly as panda bears (or as lazy as sloths on this day), but it's all a facade—polar bears are among the most dangerous animals on earth.

All in all, very worth the 2-hour drive!

The other zoo

I was walking through Stonewood Center and noticed these animals penned up. They were pretty active for that time of day, just hovering above the ground. I think they were waiting for someone to take them for a walk before dinner. I also think the bunnies were the leaders of the pack. They usually are.

Los Angeles County Fair #2

Yesterday I showed you a couple of scenes from the Los Angeles County fair that caught my interest but today I'll show you why I really went. First, I went to see the Photography exhibit. I got some great ideas and really enjoyed the experience.


Next, I went to see the bunnies. They are the most adorable animals (to look at). One of them would pick up straw in its mouth then go and bite the other bunnies on the backside. They would hop away and he would go bite another. Then one bunny had had enough and came and bit the first bunny. He hopped off and stopped biting the other bunnies.


On the human side, this is Dwight, in the white shirt, helping a fair attendee. His badge read "Vice President" so I was surprised that he was walking the hallways among the crowds looking for ways to help.

King of the jungle

It was a bit frustrating to have so little internet access on this African safari. So now that I'm home, I want to share just one picture before returning to life in Downey.

On our last morning, we encountered a small pride of lions and lionesses on the road. Unusually, they appeared to be hunting, but not for game. Our ranger guide thinks that a new lioness was attempting to join the pride, and the pride didn't intent to let her. Instead, they chased her as if she herself were prey.

It was truly amazing to see these majestic animals so close, in their natural habitat doing what comes naturally. I'll never look at a zoo in quite the same way again!

This little piggy...

The Orange County Fair had a farm animal section. The piglets were contentedly nursing as hundreds of people milled past their enclosure. They really were adorable. Look at the face of the little one at the bottom. I swear he's smiling.

“I am fond of pigs. Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us. Pigs treat us as equals.”
~Winston Churchill

How much is that doggie?

These days, the animals at the "pet store" at Stonewood Shopping Center aren't the furry variety. Instead, they are rubber and colorful and tend to float away if not properly "leashed." 

In spite of the food dish in this shot, I don't think these pets require much food—which makes that whole discussion of "If we get you a puppy, do you promise to help feed it and take care of it?" a moot point.

Zoo morning

 

The LA Zoo is about 20 miles north of Downey.  This past Sunday morning was a member appreciation day. As members, we were able to enter the zoo early, at 8:30, and see the animals a little more active than we normally observe.

It was a nice morning. One of my favorites this day was watching the chimpanzees and apes. Here is a "parade" of chimps carrying their snacks of raw onions...who knew?

Looking for my forever home

The Downey branch of the Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC, aka, the "pound") celebrated its 75th anniversary this Saturday.

The DACC, founded in 1937, marked the occasion by discounting their pet adoption fees to $19.37. The DACC is quite large, with hundreds of dogs, cats, and bunnies available for adoption. Business was brisk, with long lines of families waiting to take home their new pets.

If the cute animals and low fees weren't enough to draw people in, the Laker Girls were also there to lend their support.

A day at the Sea...World that is

Not your typical teddy bear, but I swear, he looked soooo cuddly. This polar bear was one of my favorites on our day trip to Sea World, San Diego (which is just under two hours away from Downey when there is no traffic).



He paced around the habitat, roaring and clearly demanding attention. Who could resist such a beautiful creature? Don't you wanna just hug him?