Chestatee Wildlife Refuge

Yesterday we went to the wildlife refuge that the science teachers at our co-op organized. We took Emily with us and it was a haul to get all the way up there. Birch thinks we could have been standing on the beach for an equal amount of time in the car.




Most of the animals that arrive there were surrendered by people who had gotten them illegally as pets and could no longer care for them. Their main inhabitants were grizzlies, lions, white Siberian tigers, alligators, elk, emu, wolves, exotic birds, and zebras. There were several animals there from Narnia and Holt proudly bestowed on them their Pair Caravel names.



Our tour guide gave us lots of information about the animals and we were treated to a show at the end of our visit- the highlight of our day. They brought out turtles, snakes, baby alligators, birds (I'm such a naturalist that I can't remember what kind) and a South American raccoon. Birch broke out in a sweat when the snakes made their appearance.




I was so proud of my little ones (especially Mouse) who listened so carefully and touched all of these creatures. And for a day where I forgot the sunscreen and the stroller, it was a madly successful trip.