Lions, Okapis, Giraffes, Oh My! Adventure Outing--Girlfriends' Edition

When you're in a relationship, you learn what's feasible and what's fantasy. For instance, I've found I can't cajole Justin to go see a chick flick, enjoy a high tea or apparently visit the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore (especially on a cold December day). But a girl's gotta use her Groupon before it expires on Dec. 31!

So I'm thankful when my fabulous gal pal Tamika (also a creative event planner) was game for venturing forth to the zoo.

It's actually the third-oldest zoo in the nation and in some instances that shows. Don't expect the variety of exhibits and animals that you might find at the National Zoo. We had fun just the same, even though many of the animals were more content to take naps than acknowledge our presence.

 At least the sea otters were a little more interested to see us. They're so cute. Tamika and I discussed the possibility of having one as a pet, but then figured they would be hard to smuggle out of the zoo.

You wanna know what's not cute. This guy. Hilariously, Tamika's first response when we came to the tank was "oh they put statue crocodiles in there because those are fakes." Yeah, this guy was motionless, which made it freaky when he started to move.

But the great thing about the zoo is that there are fashionable animals too. Take the okapi (which, who has ever heard of this African animal?): As Tamika points out in the video below, it has its own legging and fashionable brown wear, good for tundras or wooded areas.

Unsurprisingly, the zoo doesn't have the same pizzaz in the wintertime. Many of the outdoor exhibits are closed and some of the encouraging outdoor displays for kids seem cold (like going through the tunnels in the fake caves). We were a tad chilled--most likely because we insisted on taking a windy train ride because it was included with admission. This would be a fun afternoon for kids, but nicer weather probably means a packed park. While we were cold, we did have plenty of room to see the animals at our leisure.

Before you go:

• Have a full tank of gas driving to Druid Hill Park in Baltimore where the zoo is located. You drive through a depressed area when you come off of Interstate 295, where stopping might not be a great option.
• Not sure if it's allowed, but bring your own food. Concession prices were very inflated.

Stats on our trip:
Miles driven: 62
Toll charges: Thankfully, none
Admission price: Regularly, $39 for two (with the Groupon, a slim $17 for 2)