Octagon Animals!

This past weekend, we ventured out to the Octagon Animal Refuge. I didn't really have any expectations...maybe thought we'd see a tiger or lion possibly. Little did I know, this rough looking, little gravel parking lot would lead us into our own personal zoo of the most beautiful "kitty cats!" As we walked past each fenced in cage, Matt read about each animal's story on where they came from & what their story was. It was so sad to hear of how terrible and heartless people were to these animals, but it was very heart warming to see how much the volunteers & donating organizations have done to keep these animals alive. We saw lions, tigers, a cougar, leopard, monkey, bears, gators, peacocks, iguanas (Mommy could have done without the creepy looking lizards!), and I'm sure there are more that I'm not thinking of at the moment. We spent nearly two hours there checking out each animal, which was a long time to be in the heat & especially long for Mr. Connor to remain content in one place! We had such a great time and got some great pictures of the animals up-close-and-personal!

I didn't know how big or busy Octagon was going to be, so I thought it would be a great place to try out the 'monkey harness'. I spent the majority of my time holding Connor & pointing out the animals, so I didn't really need it. At least he fit in well with the animals with his own monkey :)

Connor's favorite by far was the monkey! The monkey was showing off in his cage, running from one end to the other & jumping up at the fence. Connor got a few big grins & giggles out of it!


After walking past this tiger, Connor decided he wanted to get down & walk around himself. Little did we know, the tiger got one look at Connor all by his lonesome & thought he'd be a tasty treat. The tiger began eye-ing Connor & pacing back & forth where ever Connor was. I was quickly sent into 'Mama-Bear-Mode' and slightly panicked!


This tiger thought Connor looked mighty yummy too. The tiger was splashing around in his pool then Connor caught his attention. I kept telling myself that the tigers were looking at Connor as if he were their little cub & thought they were his Mommy...instead of looking at him as their lunch! I was in denial....but it made me feel better & safer on the other end of the tiny chain-link fences!




Connor was wishing he was swimming in the tiger's swimming pool!


They had the cutest little sitting areas that were perfect for kids! We packed PB & J sandwiches, so had some nice time eating lunch & checking out the animals around us at the same time.





This lion scared me right out of my skin! Our little pamphlet has this particular lion in bold letters, stating that you should NEVER tease him, because he becomes very MEAN! As we walked past his cage, he stared at me while I was holding Connor, then let out a horrifying deep noise that seemed to echo throughout the animal sanctuary! Matt warned me that lions made very intimidating noises, but I learned that quickly on my own!! We decided to leave this guy alone!

We saw many more animals after this, but our camera battery had bit the dust at this point! This was the closest I've ever been to such amazing animals & would love to go back when Connor is a little older.