I can't dance, going to clubbing

Dude where is your backbone? Don't apologize ,be a real man, do whatever you feel that is necessary. Advice is there to pick and determine which is useful for yourself.

Here is my two cents...
Who cares if she knows you are going to the zoo? A gift isn't necessary, just show her pics or something of what you did there...and HENCE a good way to spend time with her by instigating conversation of your experiences in person. I personally like conversations that kill time (usually taking hours...wondering if this is a bad thing?) with the opposite sex. Then recommend dinner afterwards and have a great time one on one. It is nice to have some quiet time afterall rather than going from place and event.

Though anyone could help me out just to clarify from a girl's perspective since I never asked...do they they enjoy long haphazard conversations? (usually when I sit down and chat with one...they usually last 3-6 hours...).

Jam it back in, in the dark.