We headed up to Escondido to the Wild Animal Park. The first thing we did after battling through school children, was head to see the lion cubs. F and I each had a map, yet there are two places marked for the lions. F lead the way. I was lost on the map because I was looking at the other location. We got to where it said the lions were, but they were not there. One tiger, but no lions. I showed F there 
was another place, so we headed there. Sure enough, a few lionesses and seven lion cubs. The cubs are a few months old and are about the size of a dog. Their legs and paws are massive! After watching the lion cubs, we took the new tram ride. We had to wait in line for about 20 minutes, but lil' L found ways to keep himself entertained. For example, doing chin-ups on the railing, okay, just swinging, but he was content for most of the waiting. I love seeing all of the animals in a more natural setting! In the African Savannah, the animals are mixed together. Gazelles, rhinos, wildebeests, giraffes, etc. all together. They are placed in an enclosure adjacent to the lions and 
cheetahs. This helps to stimulate natural behaviors. Last year, there were wild fires in the vicinity, but did not burn any of the park. However, the wind blew down nearly 150 trees in this enclosure, the park is in the process of replacing the trees they lost. This is the only day we spent at the park, so we had to keep moving to ensure we saw everything. One thing definitely on our list was to feed the Lorikeets. These small birds 
are people friendly. We purchased some nectar for F and lil' K. lil' K was so brave. She walked in with her head held high, fingers tightly gripping her nectar cup. Two birds came to her and she stood so still, I am amazed at how well she did. lil' L on the other hand, cried. He wanted nothing to do with the birds. F held some nectar while I held lil' L. F had birds 
all over him. One was on his shoulder and the backpack. When it was my turn, I had two land on my arm. I think one was the bully because he wouldn't let the other get anything and no other bird would come to me. I shook him off and I got a few others to come. We all had a blast! We saw some more animals and stopped for lunch. One of my favorite animals we saw (besides the lion cubs) were the elephant 
calves. Later that day, when we rode on the carosel, I was going to sit next to lil' K, but as I got her strapped, this little boy ran up and sat next to her. He had to have the zebra, which is also what his face was painted to look like. He kept lil' K entertained by talking to her the whole ride. I sat on a panda next to lil' L. After the carosel, we again headed back to take the tram again and see the lion cubs. On the ride we got a really good look of the black rhino they have, who is 
pregnant and due anytime. The lion cubs were really active playing around. We got upclose and personal with them. Their enclosure has a big glass wall to see them. As we walked up to the glass, a lion cub came right to the glass! So close, lil' L backed up thinking the cub would get too close. What a day! Tonight for dinner, we had to have another one of F's favorite California eateries, El Pollo 
Loco (I have heard this restaurant has expanded to outside of Cali.) Good food. Once again, back at the hotel, we rested our tired feet in the hotel pool. All of the parks close around 5 p.m. which is perfect for grabbing dinner and time at the pool, and the bonus, the kids can get to bed on time!!Pictures on the Left side: Lion cub; F and lil' L on tram ride; lil' K and Lorikeet; Me with Lorikeets
Pictures on the Right side: lil' L swinging; F and kids with the savannah behind them; F and Lorikeet; Elephant Calf
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