Phoenix Zoo Koala Preview

The Phoenix Zoo had a special "members only" preview of the new Koala exhibit the last weekend of September. We thought it would be fun to go- and it was- unfortunately, it was still 100+ degree weather and even with an early Saturday morning arrival it was super hot. So lots of sunscreen and water- no problem.

There was also a terribly long "members only" line to see the Koalas, which wasn't so much fun. Boy, there sure are a lot of zoo members! We probably waited in line about 45 minutes to look at some animals for about 30 seconds. Jon was especially not so happy with the wasting of his precious Saturday time- the kids weren't all that impressed either because the koalas were sleeping when we finally did see them- but I didn't mind too much. I mean, they're KOALAS!! None of us have ever seen them in real life before- isn't that pretty cool and worth the wait?! But I guess we could have just waited in the comfort of our air conditioned home until after the grand opening the first of October ;) Oh, well. It was still a fun time at the zoo...once we got out of line :)

Shule wasn't there because he was on a scout camp out at Camp Geronimo- super fun! They didn't get rained out this time and he had a blast- thank heavens for good leaders and nice young men.

Waiting in line. Sophie had a hat but wouldn't keep it on. 

Jon saved our place in line so the kids could move around. 

"Look, Momma! Turtles!"

Back in line.

The kids got out of line again to check out the Wallaby Way as we got nearer to the Koalas.

Shazer waiting to catch Sally on the Saguaro slide. 

TA DA!! The amazing sleeping Koala!

Sally was really into posing with the animal statues this time- Sophie totally wasn't. It seemed as if Sophie couldn't quite make out if the animals were real or not and she wasn't taking any chances.

Sally's favorite attraction- brushing the goats. 

Jon even got in on some goat brushing. 

Sophie was not so excited about the goats not being in cages.

The showdown.

She was much more relaxed with the turkeys (and a bunch of wire separating them from her).

Cooling off at the Yakula Caverns splash pad. Sophie's still a bit timid.

Sally was running around like a wild woman.

Shazer is such a good big brother- he's always watching out for them and helping with them. Such a sweetheart :)

We had a chance encounter with one of Sally's little friend's from preschool- Addie. 

So cute!

Before we left to go home and grab some lunch we had to say "au revoir" to the orangutans, who will be on hiatus until their new fancy exhibit is finished sometime in February. 

We love the orangutans- they are so cute!