Written by Today we took a little trip to the San Diego Zoo and it was amazing! There were so many adorable faces there, and I was about to sketch a koala, but the red panda ultimately won out. Since the zoo is so massive, this is also roughly how I feel right about now. I’m exhausted, but had a blast. I also loved seeing the giant pandas, that decided to make an appearance and not hide entirely, but it was only for short moments at a time. One panda would walk down to look at the crowd only to promptly turn and face the other way, before anyone could get a shot, to rub his butt on the ground. So, I only had photo references of that little ritual, which didn’t quite qualify as a face for today, and wasn’t a terrible photogenic angle. One has to wonder if he was doing it on purpose to spite us, but I’m sure it was just a coincidence. That said, on the brief moment I glimpsed his face, I could make out just a faint little smile.
I adore animals so this day was one of the best of this short trip! I got to see a dik-dik in person which I’d only sketched from photos previously, and was not disappointed as it was just as adorable in person. I wanted to catch a glimpse of the far less adorable aye-aye, but it’s nocturnal and wasn’t about to come out and say hello just to assuage my curiosity. We weren’t staying that long, so moved on to other curiosities. I rounded the corner to see a zebra next to a donkey and for just a moment I wondered if I’d get a chance to see a zonkey, but unfortunately they didn’t have one. The little kid in me wanted to buy everything he saw in the gift shop, but the adult won out and I only ended up with a straw hat and sunscreen.
Tonight, we’re heading to have dinner with an ocean view, so that should be lovely end to the trip. Since I have to leave in just minutes, I’ll keep this short, but wanted to pop in and say hello. I hope each of you are having a fabulous weekend. There are so many wonderful creatures in the world, I’m honored to share the planet with them. It’s sad, to be sure, that little guys like this one are now endangered. I hope we’ll all learn to share the planet a bit better in the future. It would be a sad day indeed to thank that, one day, I wouldn’t be able to look again at my favorite face.
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About the DoodlewashDa Vinci Paint Co.: Yellow Ochre, Terra Cotta, Burnt Umber, Burnt Sienna, Ultramarine Blue, and Payne’s Gray. Lamy Al-Star Safari Fountain Pen with sepia ink in an A5 Hahnemühle Watercolour Book. |
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Aw, he is adorable, even if he turns out to be a she – but so cute – you did a really great job. Looks like it’s wearing a bunch of leftover clothes. San Diego is a pretty incredible city with so many attractions, the sea being one of the best. Glad you’re enjoying your visit.
Thanks so much, Sharon! 😃💕 Yeah, I’m not entirely sure how to easily tell the he or she part on these little guys. And San Diego was wonderful… we didn’t stay for much beyond the zoo as we had to get back north, but it was a great time.
I love Red Pandas. We have a few at our local zoo and they are one of my favorite to visit. Have fun at dinner.
Thanks, Sandra! 😃💕 Yeah, red pandas are so cute. I do think they’re one of my favorites to visit.
We want to see pics of the big panda’s ritual!
haha! It’s not as impressive in wide angle as it was up close. But Philippe showed me a GIF of a panda trying that move in a tree. It’s now my new favorite here’s the link – http://bit.ly/2vyhFDs
This little face really brought a smile along with your story. He is just too cute. Glad you are having a wonderful time. Safe rravels home.
Aww thanks so much, June! Glad you liked this! 😃💕
OMG so adorable!! I’d want one as a pet.
Hehe! Me too!! 😃💕 They’re sooooo cute!!
So cute!
Thanks so much, Susan! 😃💕
Cute panda. Sounds like you are having a great vacation.
Thanks, Mary!! 😃💕 I was a super fun vacation!
Hoorah to a fun day at the zoo! 🦍🐵🐢 Happy to hear you had fun! 🐒
Thanks, Jill! 😃💕 Super fun!! I love zoos!!!
Hi lie this is beautiful n Wah kya bat he,
Thanks so much, Snehlata! 😃💕
The first time I saw a Red Panda was at the Dublin Zoo. I was fascinated by them. You definitely captured the cuteness factor.
Thanks so much!! 😃💕 Glad you liked my rendition. They are just adorable. Love these!
Oh how completely adorable! You captured that face perfectly, Charlie!
Listening to what you’d hoped to see, made me think on the series with Stephen Fry and Mark Carwardine “Last Chance to See” – it was fantabulous and heart wrenching as well.
I hope your time away has refreshed your soul, if not your body. ❤️
Thanks, Von!! 😃💕 It was a wonderfully refreshing time, but re-entry is always a bit tough. Could have used a few more days.
adorable Charlie. and I have no idea how the adult won and you didn’t buy one of everything! Glad you’re having such a great time.
Thanks, Jennifer! 😃💕 hehe… the straw hat I got was the cool one and not the cheap version, so that was my indulgence. I saved the rest of my pennies for a beer at lunch. So, the adult still have a good time!
Hehehehe. 👍
Thanks, Jennifer!! 😃💕 hehe
1. I am profoundly grateful to live in a world where a “zonkey” is A Thing. Best name ever.
2. This red panda makes me want to snuggle it. Even if it might eat my face.
3. I’m jealous you got to see the zoo. (I lived in SD for a few years and never did make the time. I *did* go to Sea World a few times, and had bat rays eat out of my hands with their weird little smiley mouths, though. So it wasn’t a total loss of years. :D)
4. The stuff I paint, I tend to remember better, speaking of memories. Now that I’m turning into a crotchety, forgetful old lady, I appreciate that aspect of it a lot. 🙂
All great points! LOL 😃💕