Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Everyone told me that I have to visit the Desert Museum while in Tucson. Apparently it's a "must see!"

So we went. And it was fascinating!

This zoo, or wild animal park or whatever you want to call it, is one of a kind. They built the museum IN the desert. So most of the animals are in their natural habitat.

We were welcomed to the museum by this beautiful falcon.

And this barn owl.

From the entrance we had to make our way through the desert to our first stop, the Bird of Prey Show.

[Me with a giant Saguaro]

[Sam in the desert]

The Birds of Prey Show

[Hawk]

[Owl]

[Falcon]

[Raven]

After getting dive-bombed by raptors, we decided to continue our journey through the park.

[Bat ears!]

[Me and a snake]

[All of the turtles and tortoises were hibernating so we had to improvise]

Later in the day we went to the Live Animal Reptile Show

[Western Diamondback Rattlesnake]

[Gila Monster]

The show was very informative. We got to see and learn all about these two venomous creatures. Pretty much we learned that most of snake bites happen to men and most of those happen because guys are stupid and like to poke at the snakes instead of just walking away. 90 something percent of all snake bites that happen to men are on their arms and hands. 90 percent of all snake bites that happen to women are on their legs and feet. See a pattern here?

Later we saw the Prairie dogs! They are so cute and super social!

[Me trying to make a new friend]

[Sam with the crew]

The rest of the day we spent walking around seeing the other animals.

[Wolf]

[Black bear]

[Cougar]

[Coyote]

[Me climbing through the rocks]

[Fox]

[Adorable owl]

[Ocelot]

[Javelina! These things run wild in Tucson. We were greeted by a group of them our first night in town]

[Sam loves the Saguaro]

We spent about 7 hours at the museum and it was one of the coolest wild animal experiences I have ever had!