Animals, Architecture and Granddaughters

Recently I took the granddaughters to the zoo.  We always enjoy a trip to see the animals.  It was a beautiful day and we had a wonderful time .

We saw all kinds of animals. This photo of the zebras is one of my favorites. It was taken by granddaughter #1. I love the way she captured the water being sprinkled over the zebras.

All of the years and times I've been to the zoo this was the first time I saw a mother nursing its babies. It was a sweet moment to share with the girls.

And of course the giraffes. I like the way he is peeking around the tree.

Another highlight of the St Louis Zoo is the architecture. Architect John Wallace began working and designing at the zoo in 1917. The buildings he designed have been updated and they are still an important part of the zoo. He designed buildings in a Spanish style. He also added carved details showing the animals that were housed in each building. Shown in this photo is the Herpetarium, home to reptiles.

The entrance to the Herpetarium is elegant and filled with all sorts of creepy crawly things.

An alligator lintel.

Carved monkeys welcome you to the Primate House. John Wallace must have had an active imagination.

The colorful birds give the facade to the The Bird House a tropical look.  The interior of the building continues the bird motif. Bird carved capitals top the columns throughout the space.

The girls and I had a great day. Its good to be the Grandma.