Today we journeyed to the Jardim Zoologico de Lisboa. (The zoo.) It was absolutely amazing. The grounds were almost like a park, and it was huge. We spent almost the entire day there and still didn’t see absolutely everything. In addition to the animal exhibits, there was a “Sea World”-type show with dolphins and a Sea Lion. It was quite good as well. The animal habitats were very spacious and realistic to their natural habitat. Here are some highlights:

The Zebras were MUCH larger than the ones in Knoxville. They were about the size of a horse. We didn’t realize there were different ones, but indeed there are. These were the largest of the different breeds. The ones at home are more the size of a burro.

Peek-a-boo!

This was the best shot I could get of the sleeping Koala.

These were Indian Rhinos. They looked like tanks with their armor plating.

Nap time.

There was an overhead cable car system that essentially circled the entire zoo about 60 – 80 feet in the air or more depending on the location in the loop. It was seriously cool and included in the price of admission. You could get a feel for how amazing the place was from up there.

The baby giraffe was born this year.

These were pygmy hippos, but there were full size ones as well. We had never seen any before.

It was kind of cool how they had multiple species occupying the same habitat. Kind of like real-life. Here’s a Meerkat and an Elephant – just for some perspective!

Full-size Hippos that were coolin’ it in their pool. It was 90 degerees today, but the humidity was only 22% – we would have sworn it was 80. It made that much difference.

Aardvark!! Had never seen one of those either.

Of course you already saw this one.

These little guys kept coming up to us – I think they thought they might get a treat. Mom was none too happy about how brave they were, however.

We took the subway to the zoo – it wasn’t terribly far. Mags did an excellent job of navigating a course. It also helped that their train system was super easy to use. Each line is color-coded and clearly defined. New York could learn a thing or two.

We came back to the apartment and had a brief rest, then went to dinner just down the street. We didn’t get any photos, but Maggie had a traditional fish/shrimp and rice dish, and I had a chicken/sausage and rice dish. They were yummy. When ordering a beer here you usually get the choice of 2 sizes – an Imperial (which is about 10 ounces – and for girly-men), or you can get a Caneca (which is a proper British pint – not that bullshit pint in the U.S. where they give you around 12 ounces or a tinge more.) Anyway, I ordered a “Caneca”, then reiterated large. The server spread his hands apart really far and said “Big?” I said “Yes! Just like that!” Apparently he took me seriously and brought me a liter. So needless to say, he got a good tip.

I needed a wrist brace to pick it up!

And I made a happy glass.