Last week was truly satisfying as I traveled to the ‘Toledo Zoo and Aquarium‘ in Toledo, Ohio.
The zoo trip had been something I had wanted to do for quite some time. Actually, for the better part of my life. I’m not sure why I hadn’t gone before. It’s a mere hour and a half drive from where I was born and raised. One of those things, I suppose like the Grand Canyon and both Disneyland and Disney World. I’ve lived and worked in the three states and have never made it to any of the three.
But last Wednesday, thanks to an invite by our local senior center, the zoo visit came to fruition.
Hope you enjoy it through my eyes and words.
Although the ‘Cancer Sucks in every Color’ hat is awesome, I needed a new one. If you know me in the slightest, I had to head straight to the gift shop for a new one. I enjoy picking one up from every destination I visit. And the zoo was no exception, cancer survivor or not.
There were plenty to choose from. But I stuck with something simple.
Then headed straight to the polar bear exhibit.
While on my way to the giraffes, I came across a merry go round. Something I had never seen inside a zoo before. In Detroit other than the train ride the only other thing you see is animals. This is a nice addition for tired parents that need a rest.
Here, I was a little disappointed. To be closer to the Giraffes, you need to pay for a piece of lettuce to feed them. I understand the zoo needing funds but by not allowing its visitors closer to the animals seems counter intuitive. Obviously, they won’t come by the non-feeding customers. And honestly, I wasn’t about to pay seven dollars for a single piece of lettuce to get closer. Seems the zoo would be better served by having a donation box nearby.
The zoo is divided by a four-lane highway with half on each side. It is a unique division. There is a ‘wildlife crossing‘ for walking over. Additionally, there is a ‘subway‘ tunnel, as they call it, for walking underneath to get to each side as well.
First stop on the opposite side was the petting farm. I’ve seen many of you enjoy Goat Yoga by allowing them to walk on your back while working out. And more power to you. But I wouldn’t suggest this one as a partner.
It’s been a while since I’ve written about something fun. And won’t forget to add in my ‘sidenote.’ Here’s the real G.O.A.T. See if KB catches this.
No, I didn’t cross paths with Simone Biles at the zoo. But continuing on my way, I became a ‘chicken whisperer‘ and thought about our escalating food prices in the process.
Strolling along, you couldn’t help being amazed at the landscape they’ve created. So beautiful and serene.
When I arrived here, they were in the midst of a botanical tour. If I had known beforehand, I would’ve joined in as well.
A short journey later I had arrived at what I really came to see. The ‘aquarium.’ Friends have raved to me about its splendor and now it was my turn to view it.
It is not as huge as others down south or on the Westcoast. You can keep your big fancy fishponds because here in the Midwest we have the best. And those same friends were 100% correct on its beauty and visibility.
I must’ve stayed in here over an hour of the four we spent this day visiting. Now reminding me of my first, and recently, completed meditation session I watched endlessly. Their motions and peacefulness in the water, which they swim, as they gave me a sense of tranquility.
Moving on, it was time to see some ‘Monkees.’
I should really learn to differentiate between the two spellings. Or simply stick to the word ‘primates.’ But even that wouldn’t work.
It hadn’t dawned on me till now how sorry I feel for the enclosed monkeys. Sure, there are different names for each, but I’ll refer to them in general. Are they really better off than they would be in the wild?
I don’t know. But seeing the monkeys confined as such reminds me of Matthew Broderick’s ‘Project X‘ movie. And is this ‘Virgil’ actually licking his fingers for remnants of food or learning to sign? You be the judge if it’s right. Just remember you’re a primate too.
There was a sleeping tiger and bear along with some birds as well. Sadly, I didn’t get to see all the other, as Elly May Clampett would say, ‘critters.’ As it was time to go.
Before leaving, I promised myself there will be another day spent in the Buckeye State.
With the sounds of a subway, I’m sure which are just the air ventilation system. I headed back to our bus, this time underneath the highway, remembering Boston and its South Station.
Having led you to Broderick, I now leave you with Hemingway. And these parting words …
…Be kind to all creatures great and small. As a little empathy can go a long way in the ‘Wild Kingdom.’
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