Buttonwood Park Zoo, New Bedford

I read that the Buttonwood Park Zoo in New Bedford had recently acquired a 2 toe sloth and made a mental note to check it out.  We drove down one Sunday morning and it wasn't too crowded at all.  The zoo is really small and easily seen in an hour or two.  

Loved this train that goes all the way around the whole zoo which is a good ride.  

We started in the rainforest exhibit.  Lots of colourful fish.

Lionfish

I loved these jellyfish!!  They were soooo pretty!

Unfortunately Bernardo the sloth was waaayyyyy at the top of his habitat and didn't come down at all.  I went back into the exhibit before we left and he was still up there.

The birds and monkeys were also hiding for the most part.

There are a couple of seals.

Mountain lion/cougar

Bobcat

They have 'Buttonwood Farm' that has some cattle and horses.  Didn't see the pig though.

There's one buffalo

I fell in love with Ellie, an adorable possum.

One elephant.

The otters were adorable too.

Another shot of Ellie.

This is a cute little zoo to check out.  We ate at the food court style restaurant which I thought was great.  He had a pulled pork sandwich that he thought was a bit dry but my burger was awesome.  I don't think that I'll go back to see the sloth though.  It never occurred to me that he wouldn't be right there, visible for the public.  Poor thing would probably rather be back in the rainforest!  Same thing with the black bears; they were also hiding in the rocks of their habitat.  Buttonwood Park Zoo is worth stopping at if you find yourself in New Bedford.

Whaling Museum, Part 3

There's no denying that there was some amazing scrimshaw work done on bones and teeth.

Additional products that once used whale oil.

Pie wheels and utensils

Some with beautiful inlay.

All that detail and scroll work done by hand, without a dremel or any other power tool!  AMAZING!

I liked this painting of a sperm whale crunching down on a boat with sailors.  Reminded me of Moby Dick.

I should have paid attention to the info on what these are.  They are really cool but no idea what they are.
UPDATE:  They are called yarn winders.

Beautifully crafted miniature ships.

And speaking of Moby.....

Captain Ahab of the Pequod!  

Queequeg on the left

 I loved this paper cutting.

And also this clock was wicked cool.  Those ships in the scene underneath the dial rocked back and forth with each 'tick tock'.  

Like I needed anymore souvenirs besides postcards, but I have always wanted a deck prism and they had small, affordable ones.  I couldn't resist the adorable glass whale or that 'Life is a Journey' compass.  And I also knew I'd kick myself if I walked out without buying a Boat in a Bottle kit.  

I hope you enjoyed my travels in Southeastern Massachusetts!