On August 25th we were looking for something to do and the zoo sounded fun. Of course, no one with brains goes to the zoo in August, it is WAY too hot! but, we were new to town and off we went. It was a learning experience. The first thing we learned is that the zoo is not a very common destination - at least, our driver didn't know where it was! We had to read the map and tell him how to get there (very few drivers here know how to read a map - they prefer to ask for directions 8 or 10 times from people on the side of the road that also have never actually heard of where you are headed but will happily give directions nonetheless. But I digress.) The second thing we learned is that we need to be registered as residents of India - it makes a difference in the admission price. As foreigners we paid 50 rupees each (still a screaming good deal - that is about $1.25) but if we were registered we would have paid a whopping 10 rupees for adults and 5 for kids under 12. (note: we are now registered) The third thing we learned is that it is nearly possible to drown in your own sweat. Wow, I have never experienced anything like that. We were absolutely dripping. The zoo has lots of trees so it could have been worse I am sure, but wow, were we HOT!
Anyway, we had fun, saw lots of animals and reptiles and birds. Even the animals looked hot. Some birds in one area were screeching at us SO LOUDLY!! Sam and I stayed to provoke them after the noise drove everyone else away because it was FUNNY how loud and obnoxious they were! There was not huge crowds but we weren't alone. I did notice that the Indians do not often carry cameras - if they do they are tiny ones, but usually if they take a photo it is with their cell phone. We also met several groups of school kids - I assume, since it was Saturday, that they were on a field trip from boarding schools. 
A few times a kid would get bold and say something in English as we passed, practising. One time a kid greeted me in perfect English "hello, how are you?" I said "I am good, how are you?" and I could just SEE the wheels turning as he translated that and tried to come up with what he should say next! very cute. Another time a kid asked me my name and I asked hers and she went away happy that we had had a conversation. Our kids thought that whole thing was pretty weird but I said I was impressed that they would be so brave to practice on us!
Our favorite part of the visit was when we encountered a HUGE group of wild monkeys! They live inside the zoo and probably make trouble, but it was so cool to see them just running around with babies on their backs.
Overall, the zoo was a good experience. We will go again when it is not so hot. They tell us that the fall is best anyway because thousands of migrating birds come for the winter.
One amusing side note, we were driving in Delhi recently with our driver Ajay, and he pointed out the "Delhi Jewel". We were completely baffled. Is it a park? an actual stone? no, no, he meant the "Delhi Jew". Not helping. After several confusing moments, we figure it out - he means the ZOO!!! hahaha.
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