Swamp things and a Zoo

I'll try to keep the chatter limited, since I have a ton of pictures on this posting (14 to be exact). When we were in New Orleans last month, we took in a swamp tour and went to the zoo - in the baking Africa heat, nonetheless! Click any/each picture to see them larger.
First, the Swamp Tour:
This is Steve holding a baby alligator. He was very dry and cool. The gator, I mean.
Here is a pair of heels and matching clutch...'er, a, I mean, another gator. Here he came - right for us! Notice the tip of his tail, way back in the left of the picture. And this one wasn't all that big...as gators go.This is an ibis, ...or a heron - I just don't remember. It was really hot, remember?
Now, onto the Zoo. It was a nice zoo. We went on Mother's Day...with 14,000 other people (really), and most of them had 10 kids...who were in strollers...and they were hot, too...and screaming. But it was a nice zoo. I felt bad for the animals in this heat, but hey, its Louisiana - most of the summer is THIS hot.
Aren't flamingos the most luscious color? I would love to have a hat with big feather plumes like this - wonder if it would look good with the alligator heels and matching clutch? (just kidding, PETA)
Now here is some ultimate "anteater mother" loving. Dragging your kid around on your back. She sure could have used one of those strollers. Elephants are my favorite, along with primates. I couldn't believe how close we could be to the animals (way better than Columbus Zoo).
A whole new meaning to Mani-Pedi comes to mind. Just image the power!A sleepy ole bear. A sleepy ole HOT bear! Oh my! - the damage one angry swipe would cause!
Don't know anything about this bird either, other than he looks like he could "hold his own" in a cage match!I think this guy was trying to avoid becoming turtle soup...or maybe practicing his free-style paddle.
Don't giraffes move with such grace? I am going to guess, that their markings are as individual as snowflakes.

Again, I don't remember what kind of primate he is...I just thought the hairdo was interesting. He kinda had a "Moe of the Three Stooges" look happening.

Almost done...so I will finish with my favorite. This guy was SO intrigued with his human observers. He watched US, as much as we all watched HIM. After a short time, he left his perch, and wandered to a spot right in front of me! He would pose and stare...and pose some more. I just loved his soulful eyes and many textures. Hmm, wonder what he thought of me?

I probably took 100 picture of him - this is my favorite one.

I hope you enjoyed the shots today. Have a great - COOL - week!