The Anchorage Zoo

Anchorage, Alaska is pretty surprising. Surprising in the sense it is much more cosmopolitan than Eugene and yet it is virtually a zoo! Here are some sights we saw in Anchorage, just outside of Anchorage, and well one video that was actually taken in a conservation center but is pretty funny all the same.

Moose Crossing sign needed. We were going to pick up a friend in a residential neighborhood. Nothing unusual there.  

Right outside our car! Meese! 

Courtesy of Kathleen Phelps in a park. Creeping up on some moose. 

Then on our way to Homer, AK, which will be discussed at length in the next couple of posts, we see this! 

Grizzly Bear in the flesh! So we see this from the car, well actually I thought it was garbage can (yes, my Illinois roots came out). Anyway, we pulled over and soon tons of cars had pulled over wondering what three girls were doing running to the edge of the river with cameras in hand. It was probably 200 yards away from us and on the other side of the river so we weren't too crazy. Plus we knew what to do in case we ever had a run in with a bear. And we were close to running in with a bear. It will be discussed later. 

Good thing we know the procedures. Thank you National Park Service. 

Now this next video was witnessed at the rehabilitation center in Seward. I must admit I was shocked while observing this. I never knew how seals moved or demanded attention. I have a whole new appreciation! 

We weren't sure why the seal was clapping its side, but it became the greeting and farewelling motion for Kathryn, Kathleen, and I. So funny. 

Here are some other creatures captured via camera in Alaska. 

The very (not-so) elusive photo-bomber. 

The great pumpkin that Linus was searching for. And Charlie Brown didn't believe, fool. 

Yup, that is the weight of that big guy. 859 lbs.

Enough bacon to probably fill even my belly!

Ok I feel a tad bit bad about the bacon comment. They were very cute, VERY large pigs. I did want to snuggle if I wasn't fearful of being suffocated. Also, the weight is labeled there.

Oh and captured here is the mermaid of Homer on land. 

Lastly, I somehow was able to catch Medusa. Luckily her back was turned or else I would have turned to stone! 

The Anchorage (ok, ok Alaska) Zoo was definitely worth a visit. Free admission as long as you get here, and you are GUARANTEED to see something exciting! Even if it is just a girl dressed up in a chicken costume. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Shannon Arms!!!! Whooo hooo!! Miller Lite headband is ready for our epic b-day bash take 2.