24 December 2021 Christmas Eve at the Zoo

It's a tradition.

It was a tender moment watching the mother and her young baby.

It is a warm December 24th when the flamingos are out. Of the years we have visited here, this is only the second time the flamingos have been outdoors.

We didn't see many of the animals today. A number were off-exhibit. In the end, it's all about the time together and a new memory created.

24 December 2019 At The Zoo

We spent the afternoon together at the Cleveland Zoo.  It's a Christmas Eve tradition.  We needed a tradition as this year raced to an uncertain end.  Phineas was still in great pain, and we were approaching a big decision.  Ali would be leaving for a couple of days with an uncertain outcome for her mom.  It was a long year winding down.  It was good to be together.

It's a warm December day when the elphants and flamingos are out.

24 December 2017 Christmas Eve at the Zoo

We visit Cleveland zoo every year on Christmas Eve. Cleveland weather always makes the day a different adventure. Last year was the warmest ever for one of our visits. This year, was more normal and cold. We had fun and enjoyed a peaceful day together.

This was the first visit where the bats where almost all bats were sleeping. They are usually quite active. The reptiles in the same building aren't exactly "active", but they did appear to be awake.

There were five young otters in perpetual motion running around and splashing in the water. They were so active it took a brief rest moment to catch one in focus.

Maybe Santa has gone green with a new electric sleigh. These reindeer did not look ready to pull anything.

We stopped in the koala building twice. It was a great place to warm up. On our first stop, the koala was napping. It was active in a tree on our return.

These are smew.

There is a new multi-cache in the zoo. We spent more time looking for it than we probably should have. In the end, we didn't make the find, and the cache became a focal point of our day. Since we at least solved all the stages and have the final coordinates for the final, we'll stop by for the find next Christmas Eve.

24 December 2016 Christmas Eve at the Zoo

We were happy for a warm day (mid 40's) to visit the zoo. It's become a way for us to spend Christmas Eve. Cleveland Zoo is usually crowded on this day. Today, the crowds were down, leaving the buildings almost eerie at times. We had fun and made a stop by Rudolph.

The eel does not appear to be in the Christmas spirit.

24 December 2015 At the Zoo

After years of visiting the zoo on Christmas Eve, we had missed two years. Both years I was too sick to handle the cold weather. This December has been much better for my health so we were happy to make a return visit. The 62 degree weather was truly odd, but I was happy for the extra warmth. It was a perfect way to spend an afternoon together and a good opportunity to try my new camera.

24 December 2012 Christmas Eve at the Zoo

Visiting Cleveland Zoo on Christmas Eve has become a tradition for us. The Zoo was quieter this year than it has been in recent years. We spent a good part of a really grey day inside the Rain Forest, but did venture out to walk through the entire zoo.

Happiness is a warm blanket.

Moon jelly fish are a new addition to the zoo. They are exhibited in a tank with a constantly changing light pattern.

Rudolph wasn't impressed with the wet snow.

The day stayed grey all day, but we had a fun time together.