You belong in the zoo
The Hesperia Zoo

Wow. Who knew that tomato soup could be so controversial?
So, on to today's posting, which is also bound to raise many an eyebrow--but I do solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me, God.

A few weeks ago, someone told us of taking her grandson to the "Hesperia Zoo." I think we blurted out laughing (rudely) as we incredulously asked exactly where this 'zoo' was located. She explained directions and said not to expect much (most unnecessary advice ever)--oh, and that it was 'dusty.' Further, it did not bode well, that, over the course of the next week or two, not a single long-time resident of the High-Desert, had heard of this zoo.

Nonetheless. Curiosity killed the cat.
Not feeling like driving far, but deciding to offer our animal-obsessed daughter a recreational activity, we decided to take a drive to find this 'zoo' last Saturday. On the drive over, we laughed our butts off imagining what we would find: a dog, a chicken and a turtle in someone's backyard? We were in for quite a surprise!



We had a great time! Now, let me start by saying that this is definitely NOT the San Diego or Los Angeles Zoo. It is, a large, neatly-kept (for a zoo in the desert) lot in a residential area, zoned for exotic animals. Actually, it is an animal film production company during the week open as a 'zoo' only during the weekends.

For starters, admission ($6 for adults, $4 for kids and free for kids under 2) includes a guided tour with an extremely knowledgeable animal expert who tells interesting facts, not only about the animals , but also about the 'gigs' they've had. Apparently, all of the animals are regular stars in film, fashion mags, commercials, etc.





And who knew that there are A-list stars living just down the street from us? For example, Aslan from The Chronicles of Narnia, can be seen at this zoo. (And by the way, he was the only lion used for Aslan; AND they didn't change any of his features in CGI because he is so incredibly perfect and beautiful and sweet looking.)







What's more, for its' size, the zoo contains a good variety of animals--a reindeer, llama, wallaby, tigers, baboons, camel, the biggest freaking cow I have ever seen (a Holstein Free Martin) --and others! Another cool thing is that you get closer to the animals than you would ever get at a 'regular' zoo nowadays. The guided tour was really cool--Mike and I learned a bunch of very interesting things.





And speaking of interest: despite her love of animals, Audrey was bored and more interested in our Cheerios and the camera about halfway through the one hour tour. So boy were we glad that we hadn't driven hours, spent $40/pp or waited in line for exhibits and shows!



The moral of this story: don't knock it 'til you've tried it: who wouldda thunk it? The Hesperia Zoo-- a surprisingly fun experience right here in our own backyard!

(Tours are available on the weekends at scheduled times and special tours can be arranged during the week for educational groups.)