Day 5: August 13, 2008

Young Explorers

On Day 5, the Young Explorers woke up early at Tiger Lodge and started out on their Australia/Asia themed day. After packing up, they participated in a "Tiger Tug" and then headed out to Lory Landing and toured the Bird Gardens. Here they saw Dragons, the Aviary, and the Flamingo Pond. After viewing the beautiful birds, they went over to Zagora Cafe in Morocco for breakfast.

Next on the schedule was an exploration of Jambo Junction and then an Australian/Asian Encounter at Nairobi. After getting to see Australian and Asian animals up close and personal, it was time for lunch at the Desert Grill. Next they got to participate in an Enrichment Project, where they made food for animals in the park. The rest of the afternoon was spent exploring Busch Gardens, and they finally got to ride the Kumba roller coaster! Next it was back to Mzinga Lodge to pack up for departure, and then they at dinner and had closing ceremonies at the Orang Cafe. After eating cake and having fun, they got to explore Timbuktu and went to a movie at the 4D theater. There they watched Ice Age before heading back to Mzinga Lodge for bed.

Zooventures

Day 5 was field trip day for Zooventures. After an early breakfast, they loaded up and headed out to the Florida Aquarium. There they got an up close view of the penguins and a behind-the-scenes tour of the aquarium. They got to see what some of the animals eat and how it's prepared along with a backstage look at the Coral Reef tank and the shark tank. They got to touch some stingrays in the Touch Tank too! After the tour, it was time for lunch.

After eating, Zooventures loaded up and headed over to the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI). There they saw an IMAX Sea Movie and then explored the museum before heading back to Mzinga Lodge. Then they headed over to Nairobi for a Mammal Encounter and then dinner at Zagora Cafe. After dinner they had Animalympics on the Gwazi Lawn. Next they met up with the Young Explorers at the 4D theater for Ice Age. After the movie it was time for bed at Mzinga Lodge.