As we pass the sign stating that the zoo is close, the station wagon turns into a boatload of excited voices expressing their anxiousness to explore new sights. The little ones jump and squirm in their car seats in anticipation of seeing the creatures featured in their storybooks. Just around the bend and we arrive at the destination anticipated for months. Tiny faces are squashed up against the window to get as close a glance as possible before passing through the large entrance. All attempts to tame the ruckus are futile. The zoo is ideal for exploring and experiencing.
The entire natural world is brought together into one glance at the various exhibits. There are so many exotic creatures that one can hardly tell which one he should see first. Myriad animals wander about their habitats, going about their business, unaware of any human presence. Regal, tawny lions seek out peaceful resting places atop warm, sun-soaked rocks and under the leafy shelter of a favorite tree to watch the energetic cubs bounce about the tall forest of grass to compete in their matches. An intimidating, bulky, menacing tank of a rhinoceros, armored with plates of thick, leathery skin, plods about its turf with earth-shaking steps as it searches for invaders in its territory. Ahead I see an imposing tower of white and brick-red, and the giraffe effortlessly reaches up to munch on the feast of lush, green foliage of what seemed to be the tallest tree in the zoo. With every tug of its towering neck, the branches shudder at losing their leaves.
Beyond these exotic sights an entire zoo of sounds alone echo throughout the area. Tinkling laughs like the jingling of little sleigh bells are heard from tiny monkeys as they dance and swing about their jungle gym of branches. A series of noisy, hiccuping brays come from the zebras’ pasture as they peer curiously at the unfamiliar creatures observing them so intently. Ear-splitting trumpets of majestic elephants blare throughout the zoo, as if accompanying the entrance of grand royalty. A conglomerate of unique sounds envelops me as I wander through this safari.
The zoo is especially fascinating to the touch, and the smells that waft throughout the barn signal the presence of farm critters. At the petting area, a sleek, black Arabian horse nibbles carrot bits out of my hand with his soft, velvety lips as I gently run my hand down his silky, arched neck. His hot breath blows softly from his whiskery nose onto my palm as he sniffs for leftovers. Lively calves investigate my hands with their rough, wet tongues, as if eagerly scrutinizing my palms for stray bits of food. The pungent but fresh smell of warm hay and wood drifts lazily in and out of the barn, like passing clouds, adding a unique sense experience to the place. The day passes by so quickly, and we leave the zoo, filled with memories of all we have experienced.
After an exciting day at the busy zoo, sitting in the quiet, peaceful station wagon after the tumult and excitement of the day is wonderfully relaxing. The little ones fall into sound slumber, lulled by the smooth rocking and rumbling of the station wagon. Perhaps they are peacefully dreaming of the zoo animals awaiting them in their storybooks at home. I stare out the window at the large gates as we pass through on our way out and remember the variety of animals I saw that day. Although I may not be at the zoo presently or even ever go again, I can still relive the exotic experiences I had when I close my eyes and imagine what it was like when I was there, and recollect everything I saw, heard, touched, and smelled.