See Part 1 of National Zoo Field Trip
I would never have guessed that seeing the fish being fed would be so very interesting or that the kids would be so fascinated by it all either. While all of us where busy asking questions about the fish and turtle, my husband found another zoo resident, though not one on official display.
This beauty though we didn’t know it at the time is called a Writing Spider, or black and yellow garden spider. The scientific name for her is Argiope aurantia. Her two foot circular web was not far from the water, tucked into a little corner. She is common the USA and said to be harmless to humans. Her size was impressive and a bit scary. Our children know that like most things, if you leave them alone they will leave you alone. It is rare that these spiders bite unless provoked. We kept a respectful distance of course as we do all zoo animals and wild animals.
While some of the residents of the zoo are very small and you have to pay close attention to get a glimpse of them others are very large! While far from the largest animal at the National Zoo, this old Tortoise is definitely one to not miss!
Our 13 year old had to comment on how big he is and how fast he moves considering his weight. The Aldabra tortoise weighs about 350 lbs and he really had a lot of get up and go. I don’t think this photo does him justice at all. He really is magnificent!
