VACATION // TORONTO ZOO

The last day of our trip was dedicated to the Toronto Zoo. I have been waiting so patiently this year to go because they got the Pandas back! Unfortunately, all they did was sleep. 

Again, my lens was broken so I only got a few photos in manual focus and had to take the rest with my phone. The first enclosures were pretty easy to take shots in so they turned out okay, but nothing would focus after about 20 minutes in the zoo. Between my motor being broken and the humidity within the pavilions, it was impossible to take good photos. I was really happy though, despite my camera malfunction, because most of the animals were out and about. Usually when we go it's busy as heck and all the animals kind of keep to themselves. The kangaroos are especially rare to see on busy days. This day was pretty quiet, as the tourist season is over and there's was little to no people at the zoo. This little wallaby was quiet happy to strike a pose.

The moisture in the pavilions was ridiculous from the humidity, so little photo taking happened indoors. I did get a few shots of the moon jellies though because they're one of my favourites! The rest of the zoo was taken on my phone, here are some of the best I posted to Instagram - I especially enjoyed watching the Grizzly Bear, he was strutting his stuff for us. And this beautiful Cheetah fell asleep right by the viewing window. She was so gorgeous and didn't mind us getting in close to get some photos of her. The frog was posing like it was his friggin' job, too. And, I know raccoons are nothing special and are usually deemed as pests, but I think they're one of the cutest animals ever - when they're not rooting through our trash cans. 

Saving the best for last!!
This gorgeous North American Giant Octopus has been missing from the zoo the passed 4 times I've been there (I go almost every year). My sister had been to the zoo about a week before me and said he was there, but that he was hiding in the corner and she couldn't really make heads or tails of what he was doing. I wasn't expecting much, I was convinced it was probably off exhibit just to spite me. I turned the corner and peaked into his aquarium and my heart almost fell out of my mouth. There he was, in all his glory. I stood there for about 20 minutes while he danced and frolicked around, playing with his toys and showing off his beautiful tentacles. I made like 10 videos no lie. Instagram is horrible for videos but it was the only way I could truly show just how amazing this experience was for me. I cried at one point. I'm not even embarrassed by that. I have been waiting about ten years of my life to see an octopus in real life. It was so amazing. Definitely my favourite part of my entire vacation (besides Queens of the Stone Age, of course). 

Well, that's basically it for my vacation - I may have a few things to talk about next week, but it should be all back to normal (mani monday, top 5 friday, etc). Have a great weekend everybody!