On Wednesday I went to the Calgary Zoo for the first time since I was, like, 12. The only thing I remember about the Calgary Zoo from when I was a kid was this record that we got with a song about the newborn elephant, which my sisters, brother and I can all sing to this day.

"Chandra the zoo's baby elephant, born in the mammal house right in her element, born here in Calgary and that's really relavent, 'cause that makes her an honorary, Calga-rary resident ... Chandraaaaaaaa ..."

Chandra isn't there anymore.

Although we did meet Spike, one of the four elephants currently taking up residence at the Calgary zoo. Or more specifically, we met one of Spike's appendages. And it was neither his trunk, tail or any of his four legs. I'd post a picture, but then I'd have to add a button to make sure you are over 18 years old in order to view it.

Come to think of it, it was kinda a scandalous day on the whole ...

Porcupine loverboy here on the right did his best to get some action from Ms. Prickly over there, although he was entirely unsuccessful.

But not before I was privy to a second animal appendage viewing. I'm surprised I didn't have to show my ID to get into this zoo ...

Out in the streets, the children were chasing the bush chickens ... or wild turkeys ... or whatever they were ...

And in the Butterfly Garden ... two words ...

Butterfly fight!

The weather was beautiful for my day at the zoo ...

Hey, I'm from Vancouver ... the only thing that stops outdoor activities in their track is a thin blanket of powdery snow. Torrential downpours? I had a rain jacket, a monstrous umbrella and scuba gear at the ready ...

Here's my favourite picts from the day ...

And here's my shoutout to my Australian sister ...