I'm a Nebraskan

Yes indeed, I now have Nebraska plates and a license. I am officially a Nebraskan.

For my touristy jaunt this week, I went to the zoo. I didn't think I'd go because I have mixed feelings about zoos. My mom worked at the LA Zoo when I was a kid, we always visited every zoo in every city when we traveled and there are some things about zoos that make my heart hurt. The crowds really seem to bother some of the animals and while some enclosures are wonderful and spacious, others are cramped. I hate seeing an animal pace, knowing that they are slowly going crazy.

I've heard wonderful things about the Henry Doorly Zoo and decided to give it a shot. Plus, I figured I was the only one crazy enough to go to a zoo in 10 degree weather. Here's proof.


Don't believe me? This is an outdoor frozen waterfall.


It was cold. Really cold. But I'm finding that I kind of like the cold and find it refreshing and exhilarating. I also loved that no one was around, the animals were curious about me and as natural as you can find in a zoo.

The zoo had some really nice exhibits, like this enormous desert dome.



It was huge and most of the animals ran free. I also loved the orangutan area (my favorite zoo animal) because I have never been so close to a giant ape. The gorillas were the same way and I didn't realize how huge a silverback gorilla is. It was a bit intimidating.



Of course, it wasn't perfect and it had enclosures with sad and pacing animals. The big cats made me very sad. When the tigers saw me, both of them made sad cat noises at me and rolled over on their backs like they were starved for affection. I'm trying not to humanize them too much, but it is clear to me when an animal is in distress.

And by popular request, here is a picture of my apartment. I don't have much furniture but that's leaving me a lot of room to workout.