Pet . . . Shark??

The Indianapolis Zoo has a pretty cool exhibit right now. When we went last week (in the rain) we visited this exhibit (because it is enclosed!)

In the Oceans section - you have the opportunity to pet a shark! Yes, I just said "pet a shark."

There is a pool of dog sharks, that the guide told me are perfectly harmless and that they would never put something out there that could harm us or our children. (Because zoo animals are so safe . . .) We were asked not to touch the sharks fins or tails, but to use two fingers to pet the back of the shark. I think this was meant to protect the shark, as the fins and tails are really fragile.

Here are the sharks.

And here are the kids attempting to pet the sharks.

Yes, we each got to pet a shark (or two). It took some coaxing for the kids but they finally were brave enough to complete the task. The texture was kind of weird. Not quite slimy, not quite rubbery. Strange would be a good word.

But it was a great experience for the kids and they talked about it the rest of the day.

Me? I can't get the image of this alien looking flower out of my head . . . it gives me the creeps.

(photo by Hunkahubby)