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Little
River Zoo was highly recommended by several locals
during my stay at Lake Thunderbird. I've learned not to ignore such
advice and I was very glad I visited and had a chance to meet the
very special residents and attendants of this unique facility.
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One
of the things that makes Little River Zoo different from most other
zoos is that guests are personally escorted around the refuge that
serves as home to over 400 animals. Our guide, Sean, here is showing
a young guest the smallest fox around.
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Want
to know what a baby porcupine feels like? Sean will show you!
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This
sweet little girl didn't look so sure about petting this guy. He's
a blue-tongued skink - he really did have a blue tongue, but he
kept it hidden for this picture.
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This
sweet little African Serval is named Toby. He is still such a baby
that his tongue licking my finger didn't feel like sandpaper yet.
I absolutely fell in love with him!
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This
cutie pie still lives in the administration office and Janet, the
zoo's director, takes him and Toby home at night with her for bottle
feeding. Her name is Karly and she's a Brown Capuchin monkey. With
such a sweet little face, I wanted to take her home with me, too.
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Of
course, the cats are still my all-time favorite. This is a European
Lynx named Easter. He's getting to the age where his little playful
"nips" can cause deep scratches, so he is not a house
guest of Janet's any longer. But he's still well cared for and makes
his home in the office where he greets visitors from his cage until
he's ready for his outside home. Terri, a dedicated volunteer, kindly
brought him outside so I could get a good picture of him.
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Malia's
2 cents: Many
of these animals are abandoned pets or rescued animals that
have found a home nestled in the 55 acres of this sanctuary.
They are obviously well loved and cared for and I particularly
appreciate their goal: "...Teaching visitors about compassion,
hope, and respect for all living things. Every visitor receives
a personally guided tour, one that provides not just the facts
about the animals, but who they are, where they came from, and
the differences in their personalities. You and your family
will enjoy a personal and up-close look at the animals that
live here. We want you to be a part of their lives, and to experience
them in as many ways as are safe and possible." You
gotta love that, so go by and support their efforts when you're
enjoying the beautiful Lake Thunderbird State Park and tell
them Malia sends her regards. |
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Location:
8/10 mile south of State Highway 9 on 120th Ave. SE
Phone: 405-366-7229
If you're not staying in the area and just passing through
on SH 9, there is a parking area large enough for RV's to
park and turn around. It may be best to call ahead to make
sure the lot is not full due to some special event, but normally
you'd have no problem.
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