LA Zoo

You know Dasher and Dancer, Prancer and Vixen...yes, these are Santa's famous reindeer from the Reindeer Romp at the LA Zoo!

I often overlook the Zoo when I'm needing a getaway from the hustle and bustle. So when a friend invited me to go for a stroll at the Zoo, and I knew it was Reindeer Romp time, I got away in a flash!

It was one of those rare LA days, sandwiched in a pocket between raining the day before, and more rain predicted for the next few days. There was a noticeable crisp in the air, the kind where a jacket is not optional. Like me, the animals were appreciating the sun and soaking up the warm rays.

As for that getaway, seeing such diverse creatures from different continents is almost like taking a trip. No need for a passport to enjoy the lions, tigers, bears (oh, my!), kangaroos, elephants, chimps, zebras, giraffes, hippos and all the other animals working on their tans. There are 80 or so exhibits at any time, so there's always something fantastic to see.

Just in the nick of time for Christmas, the reindeer were front and center for this visit. The North Pole is another continent, right?! Families were enthralled with Santa's support crew, appearing right before their wondering eyes. It was fun to hear parents explain why these reindeer weren't with Santa. The reindeer will romp through January 3. And, yes, Virginia, they get Christmas Day off.

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