York Wild Animal Kingdom

Today we visited York Wild Animal Kingdom in York, Maine. I am very sad I did not get a photo of the whole group, but Lauren & Declan, Cynthia & Ava, Heather, Bryce & Laurel, and Michelle, Mark, Aidan & Ainsley all joined us for a very fun time.
As you can see, as per usual, the little kiddo had a very good time. Momma quickly realized that this place, 1/2 hour from her home, is way-much-more preferable than any Boston zoo. Seriously, the animals are a ton happier here. And, it is just as-good of a variety. Yeah, there were no giraffes or gorillas, but there were zebras, lions, tigers, etc. And, when you walk in the monkeys are swinging from limb to limb, happily in their cages. I kept secretly wondering, what do they put in their food?
So, you Boston people might be too far, but what I want to stress is this is a gem for people on the Seacoast. Yes, it appears ghetto from the road. The website might be old and the amusement sections looks like a traveling circus from our childhood - but the zoo portion (the only portion I really visited today) is amazing. Only one sad thing, the elephant that gives rides. Something inside me was sad when I saw that. Otherwise, it is a good time.

Logistics: Parking is a breeze. Attendants help you. There is not a long walk from parking to the attractions (at least on the weekdays). The zoo opens at 10, the amusement park at 12. Outside both is a picnic area/restrooms/gift shop. We brought our own food and made a picnic. Picnic tables, you will not want to sit on the ground here. It is about $15 per adult, and kids under 1 are free. There are different price levels for whether you want to go to the amusement side and the zoo, or just one or the other. We just really did the zoo.

We walked around fine with the stroller everywhere. It is near the ocean, so it is a bit cooler than you might think, but not much. There are tons of petting areas and feed the animal areas. Animals range from ducks to monkeys, to llamas, to tortises, peacocks, zebras, deer, lions, butterflies. Lots to see. Everyone I went with had been to the Stone Zoo and all agreed this was WAY better. I thought it was much nicer than the Franklin Park Zoo too...
The kiddo is full on walking now. No arms up to help him, nothing. Running at times. It made me think that the next time we go to one of these parks I will just carry him/walk him and bring a back pack. This way I will have my arms free to run after him. Nana and Pa have mistakenly (sorry guys, but I am not happy about this...) taught him he can lean down and pick things off the ground. This was cool at the lake, for a chestnut or a leaf. But so NOT COOL at the zoo as I learned today when he tried to pick up a used band-aid. YUCK! When I pull him away, full-on tantrums. Not Nana and Pa's fault at all... but now I will need their assistance in un-training my kiddo as soon as possible!

He did well, but did get cranky at one point. I didn't know what to do but kept my cool. Not sure if he needs the one big nap soon, as his crankiness was clearly brought on by tiredness. Though it could be the case because his morning nap was so short. I think it was also the wanting to walk thing. I was formerly against kids with leashes and now I am thinking it might be a good idea...