Safari [səˈfärē] NOUN an expedition to observe or hunt animals in their natural habitat, especially in East Africa.
Synonyms: journeys · expeditions · trips · tours · excursions · voyages · treks· odysseys · pilgrimages · jaunts · journeying · traveling · touring · sightseeing · voyaging · cruising · sailing · backpacking · globetrotting · jet-setting · exploration · trekking · wandering · roving · roaming · peregrinations
Each time we visit, something new is seen.We were mesmerized by the Condor, just a few feet away from us, preening. She was certainly showing off her 9' wing span. The volunteer, Kathy, said that she had been swimming and this was her way to dry herself and to kill bacteria that might be in her feathers. She also shared the fact that Condors are very clean birds. Who knew?Ogling elephants is a must. This is the oldest of the herd.And this little one is just 3 years old.It's never just about the fauna here. The flora delights as well!Karen and I discovered a cool place to chill out. Located directly across from the Kijamii Overlook, this watering hole isn't open quite yet, but we have our new favorite spot picked out.The African Tram excursion is always a welcomed reprieve during a hot summer day (95°+).I have to share the story about Dune. Karen has shared photos of him several times and I have never seen a camel on this trek. I really didn't believe he existed, until today!A dromedary (one hump) camel, Dune, serves as an animal ambassador for the Park. Camels learn to spit from other camels, but Dune was raised with a zebra, so he doesn’t spit!We saw the cheetah when we began our tour.This photo, taken at the end made us both chuckle. The illusion of the girl standing right behind this magnificent cat is pretty wild.Today's theme seemed to be BABIES! They were everywhere. Here are lesser flamingoes. Darling.The 7 month old joey, Cutie, was only noticeable because his gangly legs were sticking out of her mom's pouch. By the way, Cutie's mother, Clementine, was the first kangaroo born here and her mom is named Orange. It's a citrus affair!The highlight of the day was seeing this female southern white rhino calf. First-time mom Kianga gave birth to the baby rhino at the park on August 22.
"We are delighted to welcome this calf to the Safari Park's crash of southern white rhinos," Lisa Peterson, an executive director at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, said in a statement. "Babies are always delightful — cute and fun to watch grow — but more importantly, they serve as ambassadors for their species. Seeing a rhino up close allows our guests to connect with them, with the hope they gain a greater appreciation for them, and the vitally important need to conserve and protect rhinos and their native habitats."
Born weighing around 125 pounds, the unnamed rhino calf has been growing at a healthy rate and is expected to gain about 100 pounds a month for the first year. She enjoys running around her 60-acre African Savanna habitat at the park and has started getting curious about the other animals she shares the space with.
We could have watched her for hours but it was closing time. Oh man, what a day! Thank you, Karen, for making even more unforgettable memories. WOW.
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