Before I had kids I wasn't much of a zoo person. I do have a few fond childhood memories of trips to the zoo, but they're pretty faded and worn now. Way back in the recesses of my cluttered memory, I can see old Samson, the giant 650 pound gorilla from the Milwaukee Zoo.
I did work at a zoo the summer after freshman year in college. That was a wild experience, one that might make a pretty funny book one day. A coming of age story with elusive spider monkeys, wacky co-workers, raccoons on leashes, and hissing badgers. Years later I spent a memorable afternoon with Meg at said zoo. We watched in sociological awe as a family straight out of Deliverance got peed on by a lion they were harassing. Meg and I have gotten a lot of mileage out that story over the years.
We have a nice little zoo here in Tucson. You can walk the whole thing in about an hour, which makes it perfect for quick visits with the kids. When the girls were little we had a membership, and we went just about every weekend. First came the stroller years, when Meg and I could dictate the pace and enjoy some time out of the house. Then came the toddler years, when we let the girls walk on their own, herding them through all the sights. Finally, we reached the point where the girls could walk slightly ahead of us, Meg and I able to have a little adult conversation while the girls checked in with all their favorite animals.
We don't go to the zoo much anymore. I wouldn't say the girls outgrew it, but other interests have taken over. Every once in a while they'll get excited about going, maybe to feed the giraffes. I miss the days when a trip to the zoo was a major family outing. I'm sure we'll make at least one visit during summer vacation. I hope the girls will have fond memories of our trips to the zoo. I know I do.
My earliest memory of the zoo is going to Sydney's Taronga Zoo with my Pop in the school holidays. I think we've all got wonderful memories of zoos. I still think they are very cool.
ReplyDeleteThat lion peeing on the people harassing him... well, I am just glad I wasn't drinking my coffee when I read that. Justice can be sweet.
ReplyDeleteI expect your daughters will have very fond memories of the zoo thanks to you and your wife.
Awww ... how sweet that you miss the zoo. Maybe when you're old and drooly and in a wheelchair, they'll take you.
ReplyDeleteWe have similar zoo memories, and we still try to go sometimes. It's always a happy time.
ReplyDeleteHave you ever noticed that a lot of the zoo animals are more intelligent than most politicians?
ReplyDeleteI'm looking for your contact info for a book review/post?
ReplyDeleteCan you email me at EdenLiterary at gmail dot com
I love zoos; even though there's a fair amount of controversy about them now and then. Your story reminds me of my days with my girls. For some reason, after about an hour, they'd want to leave the zoo before me. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to You and Your Family and may you create more memories this year.
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