Sunday, November 20, 2011

The Zoo In You

I have fond memories of Lincoln Park Zoo.
Every time we went to visit my grandparents, we went to the zoo.

They had huge turtles small children could ride or at least sit on.
Once there was a baboon inside a crate cage with a sign telling people the baboon was a boxing baboon and to stay away from the cage.

Kids don't read and as I was looking at the baboon this young boy put his nose against the grill outside the cage. It took the baboon no time at all to put his fist through the bars right into his nose.
The boy flew about about two feet backwards.
I was a kid and so do not remember if the boy was ok because a lot of people surrounded him, but I do remember the punch because it showed no mercy.
It was a knock out punch.

Then we walked and took a picture of me sitting on a stuffed black bear.
This was the first time I was able to actually feel what bear fur feels like.
I still remember the thrill I got out of it.

Our Granby Zoo in Quebec, did not have stuffed animals to touch but we did have a bear with half a tongue.
This bear just stood by the cage rails with mouth wide open exposing yellow teeth and a blue tongue waiting for peanuts.
The peanut machine was conveniently right there and we would throw in our quarters to feed this bear which made the kids laugh so hard, parents and even strangers would help out just to watch them.
There is nothing like the innocent laughter of children and these echo in my mind to this day.
Today people are lucky to be able to capture their children and put it on you tube for everyone to enjoy and you have to say Thanks:)
for letting the world enjoy your blessing.

Have a great day!

what do polar bears eat for breakfast? Snow flakes

Where do fish get their money? River banks

What do you get when you cross an elephant with a fish? Swimming trunks





6 comments:

SandyCarlson said...

Beautiful reflection. Zoos are sad places that connect us, in a tame way, with the wild world.

A Lady's Life said...

Thanks Sandy.
Well at least people get a chance to see animals and befriend them.
Could be worse. They could be freezing and dying in the free world.

Zuzana said...

I have fond memories from Zoos when I was a child too, I recall how huge I thought the animals were.;))
xoxo

A Lady's Life said...

They leave a lasting impression.
Zuzana

Pearl said...

There was a place in Wisconsin when I was growing up called "Fawn-Doe-Rosa". Back in the 60s I remember watching a chimpanzee grab my cousin Tommy by the front of his shirt and mash his face against the cage. :-) Neither the chimp nor Tommy were hurt, but Tommy still claims to distrust monkeys.

:-)

Pearl

A Lady's Life said...

Pearl lol Boy that must have left an impression. lol