Kielplers Alligator Farm -Swamp People TV show stars

Today we found ourselves in Hammond Lousiana... To the best of our knowledge the only and really interesting attraction is the Klieberts Alligator Farm! We really had no idea what to expect. Of course we love that! A 45min-1 hour tour turned into a 5 hour stop hanging out with T-Mike the great grandson of the original founder of the farm and costar of the TV show "Swamp People"  we enjoyed the tour about turtles alligators crockadiles goats parrots snakes raccoons and a few animals we can't pronounce! The tour was a contrast of large and small alligators accompanied by stories about the history of the farm and interesting details about alligators. The guide Mr Richard is actually missing his fingers on one hand from a alligator bite almost a year ago to the day. Overall... The friendliness, knowledge, chance to see alligators, and the additional private tour of the processing room was an enjoyable event here in bayou country! The southern Cajun hospitality is always enjoyed and appreciated! 

Adventure parrot watched an alligator get processed too! We had no idea they fill the alligator with compressed air to skin them.... Very interesting to watch. We appreciate that the skinned alligators were caught in the bayou and not farms for food! 

What an adventure at #kliebertsAligatorfarm in the bayou of 

#hammond #Louisiana !!!

The Orange Show [Houston]

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 "The Orange Show" in Houston was an interesting adventure for sure! We arrived on a Tuesday not knowing the only days they are typically open are Saturday and Sunday! We were making the best of the visit taking photos of the outside front of the orange show and the office across the street! Well lucky for us... Lenny and Wendy were both in the office and graciously offered to take us for a tour!!! They both had such high energy and love for the founder/creator/builder Jeff D. McKissack. Wendy really did a wonderful job of telling Mr. McKissacks story and Lennie was ready to take us later that day to see the "Beer Can House" however we were already headed to Louisiana by then.  

The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art manages The Orange Show, the Beer Can House, Smither Park and the annual Houston Art Car Parade"

© Janice Rubin 2001 

We took video and photos of both The Orange Show & Smither Park! 

The tour consist of a discussion about Jeff D. Mckissacks passion for the perfect food for humans... "ORANGES" and his love of life! Then of course the different stages and lookouts all around the Orange Show! He must of known Adventure Parrot would be visiting as he had 2 different quotes about birds mosaiced into the walls...

"Birds of a feather flock together" 

And...

" A wise old owl sat in a tree the more he saw the less he said, the less said the more he heard, Why can't we do like that wise old owl?"

Smither Park is still under construction, but is open and already looks amazing! We loved the architecture and vibe of this urban landmark!  

Overall this was an urban adventure we won't forget and plan to visit again!

Thank you Lennie & Wendy!!

Where are all the Parrots?

One thing that Adventureparrot has learned is that parrots are not often seen in public! We were very surprised how many people have told us they have never seen a parrot! We can only assume it's because it's not as simple as a dog or some cats that can be on a leash and temporarily left in a car or attached to lamp post while their companion heads in  to grab a drink or use the restroom quickly! We haven't bumped into any public parrot recreational parks yet either! 

Within 20 minutes of walking in #buffalobayoupark in #houston a photographer @simoncroberts with #nationalgeographic was taking photos of the worlds most amazing parks and asked if Adventure Parrot would like to be photographed. 10 minutes later Simon had a ladder set up with light reflectors using his massive camera he started taking several photos of this colorful Greenwing Macaw! (Check out the photo of Simon and Adventureparrot on the previous blog post)

Parrot owners.... Take your parrots out :-) you never know who you will run into! And parrots are the best ice breakers to meet new friends too!!

What we have found is most people are curious and fascinated by large parrots seen in a public parks etc.

For the curious... Parrots are very easily patio friendly just like dogs. We have found that most places allow "well behaved " exotic birds! When a place serves food...its always better to politely ask if you can sit on their patio...They can stay in a shopping cart naturally too! They love to hold onto the handrail of shopping carts while you shop! When the occasional accident happens on the floor. A quick wipe with a napkin is all it takes.

 

Parrots love to socialize! Many parrots want to travel with you in your vehicle too! A well behaved parrot is a great traveling companion as long as he has lots of space and appropriate temperatures in vehicles, buildings and outdoors! Adventureparrot has not used a cage in many years! 

Parrot owners... Bring your parrots to meet @adventureparrot as we travel the USA! 

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Beautiful Houston

What an amazing city Houston is! The Adventure Parrot will definitely be back! The people of Houston were some of the most authentic friendly people we have met!!!  We loved all the small talk and laughter with all of you!!! Thank you so much for your hospitality!!

Some of the highlights for the gypsy parrot...#buffalobayoupark #georgebuschpark #downtownhoustontunnelsystem #downtownhouston #theorangeshow #smitherpark #waughbatcolony 

Some helpful parrot friendly places we visited while in town...

#flyingJ  #starbucks (patio) #chipolte (patio) #wholefoodsmarket (patio)

Downtown Houston Underground Tunnels

The @adventureparrot enjoyed the tunnels in Houston... Techniqually parrots are not allowed in the tunnels. However after some stealthy maneuvers to get into the tunnels the @adventureparrot quickly won over the staff and was granted access!!!

National Geographic Photo Shoot

Adventure Parrot is asked to take photos for National Geographic! The acclaimed photographer Simon C Roberts is traveling the world taking photos of Amazing Parks! The Adventure Parrot had a mini photo shoot in Houston's Buffalo Bayou Park! Thanks Simon !!