sometimes, the world is a Zoo

The Great Plains Zoo, Sioux Falls is an AZA accredited zoo with 850 animals on 45 acres of simulated natural habitat. Creatures from all continents except Antarctica live and breed here, the zoo is active in breeding endangered species of many types. www.greatzoo.org

Rangifer tarandus (caribou) N. America, Asia, Europe

In the early morning, the zoo is quiet, the keepers are feeding their charges and animals are active and a delight to watch. It was nearly a private party at 9am on a Sunday morning. I had the fun of talking to many of the keepers about the animals they care for. Pa Reindeer obviously gets fully involved with breakfast, Ma and kid had to wait their turn at the alfalfa. I'll introduce you to some the creatures we share the planet with this week, weird and wonderful.