A Sight for Wide Eyes

What he saw as he walked through the doors floored him. “You walk into this place and you are met by the Red River Hogs, then when I looked across and saw those giraffes, I couldn’t believe it, I thought they were stuffed. Then you look down and see the hippo enclosure, this facility is an impressive sight,” said Columbus Zoo Director of Emeritus Jack Hanna. The Calgary Zoo’s Destination African exhibits are enhanced by the African Savannah, home to this outstanding collection of animals. “Traditionally see these animals in solitary confinement, never all together like this.” The hippos looked so happy you could see them smile. And they sure were thrilled to pose for the cameras with Jack and Suzi.

Remember the game as a kid hungry, hungry hippo?

I'd say they modeled the game after the African and the Nile ones here at the Zoo. With mouths wide open, Dr. Doug Whitehead explained the view of these sizable canines, “their teeth self sharpen. As the teeth come down on each other, they sharpen together, they are like daggers.” It’s why Hippos are one of the most revered in the animal kingdom, while on a canoe in Africa they could chomp right through the boat. But in person they are big and cuddly, you can see here in these photos of Jack and Suzi hanging with the hippos.

The day at the Calgary Zoo continued with a trip to the Gorillas. Check out David Letterman on the 9^th of September, Jack Hanna appears with footage from one of the most funniest occurrences in Jack’s 35 year history in working with animals- certainly the most funniest in his 25 year TV career.

A good night’s stay was had at the Sheraton – located right next to the Eau Clair Market in downtown Calgary, home to regular farmers markets. The Sheraton even have a mascot you can walk. Clarence is a two year old golden retriever who upon request is game for a walk along the Bow River also next to the hotel.