After recently visiting the Cincinnati Zoo, I decided to share the experience for more to join in the gorgeous weather this fall. Visiting the manatee’s, giraffes, gorillas, cheetahs and lemurs was amazing. I had the opportunity to feed a giraffe and take incredible pictures which are displayed throughout the article. I, a member of the public, took each of these photos and if you go to the zoo, you will have the opportunity to do the same.

It was a hot day, but exploring the zoo was exhilarating as we geared up to the giraffes first and found that a fundraiser was happening. Pay three dollars to the zoo to help another animal and be able to feed a giraffe two pieces of lettuce. All of the giraffes were very active as we maneuvered around the area. The two babies and three adults were eating, walking around and posing for pictures. A giraffe's tongue can be up to 20 inches long!

Personally, I never remember seeing a manatee before, but last week I had the opportunity to see two face-to-face. The giant sea cows are slow moving and a bit fuzzy, but said to be one of the kindest creatures of the sea. The three-year-old Bam-Bam had some damage to his tail due to frosty waters, but was helped by the zoo and is now best friends with 26-year-old Betsy. They were truly amazing creatures and visiting them was a great place to go for a break from the summer sun and walking around.

As we walked from place to place in the sun, there were many opportunities to rest in the shade of nearby trees and watch the lions, tigers, bears, or gorillas. There were many gorillas and other creatures across the zoo that people can visit as they walk. There were signs up telling of expansions to be added to some habitats in the coming years as well.

I personally love cheetahs, and they were wonderful as I visited. While there were no available cheetah shows the day I visited I hear they come highly recommended. After you enter the area past the restaurant of the Cincinnati Zoo you will come across the Cheetahs and after that the Flamingos and many other amazing creatures.

BUGS! Honestly, guys, I adore insects. I understand the fear but they truly are fascinating life forms, especially when there is glass protecting you from them. As we walked indoors through the insect portion of the zoo, one of my friends pointed out the beetles and named one “Paul.” But there were a million creatures to see in the space and there is no way I could remember all of the crazy sights I saw! There were beetles, ants, scorpions, lizards, stick bugs, butterflies, and a million other creatures you probably have never heard of!

Then I saw the Lemurs!! If you have ever watched the old PBS television show "Zoboomafoo," you will understand why I had to visit the lemurs. They were incredible! They were jumping around and sitting like little adorable people. One jumped over to the glass and did a photoshoot with me until he became bored and hopped away.

Overall it was a splendid day and I spent hours running around the zoo and exploring the jungle with my friends. I spoke with some people about the day and one stated, “I had such a fun time walking around observing the animals. Unlike other zoos that I have visited, the animals here were all lively and awake. When I went to see the gibbons, they were howling at the top of their lungs! You could hear them from a mile away. Feeding the giraffes was probably my favorite experience there. My roommate and I fed the baby giraffe named Nora. She was adorable! I would recommend anyone of all ages to come.”

Even with all of that entertainment, I did not have a chance to see everything that can be viewed at the zoo but I had a wonderful day and created wonderful memories. I highly recommend visiting the zoo as it is a great way to enjoy the weather and see some fascinating animals.