I absolutely love zoos! My all time favorite zoo is in Memphis, TN. They have been improving and adding new additions to the Memphis Zoo for years. Every time I go, it is like a new adventure.
The Teton Trek opened on Oct. 2, 2009. Needless to say, I was thrilled when my husband took me to Memphis the very first week it was open for my birthday.
The Memphis Zoo really outdid itself with this gorgeous exhibit. The Teton Trek is stunning! Not only is the lodge beautiful, but the Grizzly Bear and the Grey Wolves are delightful and mesmerizing to watch.
I wish they had rooms in the lodge to rent. I would move in today!
The Teton Trek Lodge at the Memphis Zoo
Early on this beautiful, glorious day, I donned my new black Keds tennis shoes, jeans and blouse that my daughter gave me for my birthday, grabbed my new camera which was a birthday gift from my son, snatched my sunglasses and jumped in the car for our new zoo adventure.
Let me tell you, this place was breathtaking! The entrance to Teton Trek is through this huge lodge. The entire area is surrounded by magnificent trees and there is a water fountain in front of the lodge were several people were wading.
Even now, I find myself wanting to skip over writing about the gorgeous lodge and get right to the animals on exhibit, but I will try to contain myself long enough to describe the inside of the lodge.
It is a two level structure with second level decks on both the front and the back of the building where chairs have been placed so you can sit and watch the animals from afar. There were a lot of Moms with their small children on the deck facing the Bear exhibit. I didn't blame them. It is a nice, shaded area out of harms way where they can rest and watch both the children and the animals at the same time.
Downstairs, there are tables and chairs sitting around the vast, open area. This would make a great meeting room or party area. There are also indoor restrooms in this lodge. A necessity when you spend the whole day hangin' with the Grizzly Bear.
Grizzly Bear Habitat in the Teton Trek
WOW!!!
Step outside the lodge and the first thing you see is an expansive enclosure with a beautiful waterfall. The entire area has been designed to replicate a wilderness most of us would not traverse without a ton of provisions.
The Teton Trek Path
The Trumpeter Swan and the Crane were already in residence by their pond. There were also a few ducks and a lot of area birds filled the trees.
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| See More Photos, plus read Grey Wolf Facts on AmazingWildAnimals.com |
Grey Wolves in the Teton Trek
I have always loved wolves. They have such an intelligent look and they often seem to be trying to communicate something.
The Grey Wolves at the Memphis Zoo appeared to be like playful dogs.
One was busy tearing up the new square of sod while two others were busy fighting over a stick. But I was not fooled. They knew we were there. They're just not as interested in us as we are of them.
Take a look at my pictures and tell me they weren't posing for the camera.
Grey Wolf Ripping up Sod
Two Wolves Playing
Beautiful Grey WolfGrizzly Bear in the Teton Trek
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| Baby Grizzly Bears at the Memphis Zoo (2009) |
There are currently three Grizzly Bears in Teton Trek.
When they first arrived (2009) they were babies and were absolutely adorable. I knew that even the babies would be dangerous up close, but I found them captivating. Like all babies, they were sleeping when we first entered the Teton Trek, so we waited. When they woke up, they were ready to play. They ran back and forth across the enclosure at a shocking speed.
They chased each other. They swam. They slapped, splashed, snorted and roared their way into the hearts of everyone present.
We were all completely enraptured with their every move.
The Game of Chase
Searching for Fun
Swimming TogetherOne Sad Thing
This was such an excellent day! Very little could have rained on my birthday trip parade.
However, when we got back home and I had a chance to upload the hours of video that I took of those precious grizzly bear babies, I made a sickening discovery. My brand new video camera records when the light is red. I thought is was recording when the light was green, thus all I video taped were my feet walking on the pretty walkway.
Dang! I guess that means we just have to load up the car and go back to Memphis to video record those grizzlies.
One good thing I discovered: My video camera makes great still shots.
The Babies Have Grown Up
And, I have been back!
Adult Grizzly Bear
Adult Grey Wolves
Still Enjoying the LimelightRead More about the Memphis Zoo
- The Memphis Zoo Review
The Memphis Zoo is one of the best zoos in the United States, actually in the world. Outstanding habitats for animals with safe viewing for visitors...
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Gorgeous zoo. What a special place. I love your enthusiasm for this unique animal habitat. That lodge is stunning, as is the waterfall feature. So fascinating to watch animals doing what they do. Endlessly entertaining. Thanks for sharing your favorite zoo and its beautiful residents.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun and interesting virtual visit to the zoo. I remember how much you love the Memphis Zoo in particular, Mouse. Your great photos of the Grizzly Bears and the Gray Wolves at Teton Trek are great to see. Thanks for this terrific peak into the Teton Trek at the Memphis Zoo.
ReplyDeleteThe Memphis Zoo looks like a fabulous zoo, Cynthia. It has been a long time since I have been to a zoo. If I ever visit Memphis, I will have to keep it in mind.
ReplyDeleteWell, look at it this way, at least you have a record of every step that you took. The Memphis Zoo looks like an amazing place. Your pictures are all outstanding. It seems to be set up so the animals are all in their natural habitat.
ReplyDeleteOh wow, I love zoos that cater to the animals needs and give us humans a way to enjoy them still. These pictures are astounding. Good job. You are not alone in your camera mistakes.....it takes me a long time to get the "hang" of every new gadget. But on the bright side, it will mean a new trip to the zoo.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely outstanding. I love the lodge! and the waterfall area. There is something peaceful about walking through a zoo. I'm always torn about the animals being caged though, but I guess that ship has sailed long ago. I'm sure the animals are extremely well taken care of here. I would love to visit some day now.
ReplyDelete