Skunk Ape

Have you ever heard of a Skunk Ape? Me neither.  Well, not till a couple weeks ago.
Here is the definition of a Skunk Ape according to Wikipedia: The Skunk Ape, also known as the Swamp Ape.  It is named for its appearance and for the unpleasant odor that is said to accompany it. According to the United States Park Service, the Skunk Ape exists only as a local myth. Reports of the Skunk Ape were particularly common in the 1960s and 1970s. In the fall of 1974, numerous sightings were reported in suburban neighborhoods of Dade-county, Florida, of a large, foul-smelling, hairy, ape-like creature, which ran upright on two legs.
So to put it simply, a Skunk Ape is Florida's Big Foot that smells really bad. 
I had heard of the Skunk Ape Research Headquarters in the Everglades- less than an hour from our house. You can see their website at http://www.skunkape.info/.  It's actually kinda funny. Here is a picture of the book if you would like to purchase it and learn more. I wonder who the illustrator is!

So on Thursday Erica and Mike headed to Tampa and Rachie, me and the kids headed to the Skunk Ape headquarters in hopes of spotting one.  We never saw one- but we did have a lot of fun at their  "Petting zoo!"  We took a TON of pictures- so there will be another post, but here is the first one.  LOL take a look....

We loved the mannequin there to welcome us.

And the giant gorilla.  Maybe a reproduction of the real Skunk Ape?

Scary!

Paul holding a gator!

Gabe is not sure what to think.

This guy was our tour guide.  He was great.  He was very nice and answered all our questions.  He took time to get each animal out with us and take a million pictures with each animal.

Rachie with the gator

Check out this Python.  It was enormous.  22 Feet.

This was such a fun bird.  He loved to show off and put his feathers on his head up like that.

And he kept taking Paul's sunglasses off.

Then he was totally snuggling with me and wouldn't let anyone take him.  LOL

Next we got out one of these really cool yellow snakes. 

Gabe wasn't afraid.  That's my boy.

Kyle!  Love the snake head peaking out from behind.

Notice the big cage and the other snakes in it.

We had a great time!  Definitely one of the things on the list to do when visitors come.  One of the best things about this place was the price- $5 for adults and $3 for kids.  You can't beat that price!