Alligators, Turtles & Panthers, Oh My!

Quality time with my little munchkin is one of the most important things in my life. She’s growing so fast. She’s learning so quick. She’s talking so much. She’s sitting in my lap right now driving me absolutely crazy as I try to write this blog post. (See photobooth photo collage below.)

I’m trying to make sure that the memories we create now have more than just a “fun value”; I want them to be a learning experience, too. So that morning we were putting together this super cute Alligator Puzzle to which Alexandria kept saying, “Mommy, you see it? Dinosaur puzzle piece!”. First of all, the fact that she said Dinosaur so clear was pretty awesome, and second, what the hell is she doing saying complete sentences?! We spent a little time trying to figure out the difference between a Dino and a Gator and she just couldn’t quite get it. Then it hit me… what better way to learn, then to see one in real life? Since the planet is kind of short on Dinos, the next best option was to head on over to Sawgrass Recreational Park out west to see some real life Alligators up close. I called up her Naunie (my mom) for some Quality time and off we went.

When we got there, in true Naunie fashion, we were schooled on all the bacteria and germs reptiles carry and ordered not to touch them. Darn, there goes my plans of having my one year old daughter pet & touch dangerous Alligators and other large reptiles! 😉 But, bring some hand sanitizer just in case you do get brave.

As we walked up, the Alligator Show was starting. Alex could NOT comprehend how gigantic their big boy “Cannibal” actually was – she couldn’t take her eyes off him!

The show was pretty cool… they got them to move a little, and explained to us that the way “Cannibal” got his name was pretty self explanatory. This gigantic creature was farm raised, and pretty chill the whole time. The handlers explained that because it had been pretty chilly here in South Florida and because they’re cold blooded they didn’t have much energy to waste. (Yes, 60 degrees is chilly for all South Floridians – even Alligators)

Look at her eyes – she’s AMAZED.

Next up, were the exhibits. I couldn’t get over how absolutely beautiful this animal was.

Probably should’ve written down what he was – but he was definitely one of my faves.

Then, up front, was this friendly little guy.

Alex wanted to give him “Besitos” and I’m pretty sure he wanted to eat our fingers, but, tomato tomahto.

Here are some other fun shots from our day at Sawgrass Recreation Park!

My mom’s favorite were the parrots… she had a full on conversation with the little green ones that consisted of the words “Hello, Pretty Bird, and Goodbye”. Alex thought it was hysterical. 

Last, but certainly not least, was the most beautiful animal I’ve ever seen up close. A rescued Florida Panther. Alex kept calling him Simba, and my mom tried to explain to her that they play Hockey… I mean, when she fails the “Florida Wildlife” part of the FCAT I’ll know why…

 

We had such a good time… Sometimes as a SoFla resident we forget about all the beauty around us. People travel hundreds and thousands of miles to come see what we get to LIVE in. We spent about an hour and a half there talking to animals, and even found refuge under some cover when a typical afternoon rainstorm blew through. It was a great experience with Alexandria, who is now 19 months old, and we loved every second of it.

Can’t wait to go back and jump on an airboat ride! 🙂