Tanganyika = Australian for Awesome
After we spent a day exploring Grammie & Grandpa’s backyard, which is quite the wildlife refuge in it’s own right, we ventured a bit further south to take a look at Tanganyika Wildlife Park in Goddard, KS. The ride to the park was pure anticipation. Ava was very ready to go on her “special trip” to “see animals.” Of course, she also spent some time with Daddy spotting more mechanical animals. Shouts of “Pumpjack!” were ubiquitous on this drive.
Tanganyika is an “interactive” zoo. We really had no concept of what that meant, but it turns out that means it’s smaller, you basically get to walk in the pens and it’s perfect for the littles. The whole family went on the trip which was great because that meant someone was always ready to help Ava get to know the animals.
This was Ava’s first zoo experience and it was just exactly the right size and time for her to enjoy it. We headed out to be there when the park opened and were done by lunchtime – having seen and done every last thing in the park in that amount of time.
We saw giraffes, a rhino, kangaroos, lorikeets, goats, turtles, bunnies, a camel, snow leopards, white lions, and lots of lemurs. We actually got to touch the giraffes, goats, turtles, bunnies, and the camel and then walk amongst the kangaroos, lorikeets & lemurs. When they say interactive, they mean it.
Feeding the turtles
Feeding bunnies
Feeding goats with Uncle Wes
Walking with kangaroos
Checking out the rhino, who finally stood up so we could see him!
Probably the biggest hit of the day, and the first thing we saw when we went into the park, were the giraffes. They were wandering pretty free and then would walk right up to the observation platform to get some lettuce treats. Super cool that you could pet them. Ava was very brave and went right after getting to know those giraffes.
We had such a lovely time at Tanganyika and can’t wait to take Ava for more visits with the animals. I’m pretty sure she had a good time too, since this was the view from the front seat of the car on the way home…
Looks like an awesome zoo and Matt had a good time too!