Someone told me
It’s all happening at
the zoo
I do believe it,
I do believe it’s
true.
~Simon and Garfunkel
When was the last time I was at John Ball? I couldn’t even tell you. It’s not that I don’t like zoos, but in all
honesty I’ve never been impressed with our local park. But I do love my nieces and nephews, and it
would be a great place to spend the afternoon with them. Okay, I’m in.
The first clue of how much has changed from my last visit occurred
the moment I stepped out of the car.
“Aunt Lynn, will you ride the camel with me?” Kaden
wondered.
Yes, “Ride a camel” is No. 9 on my Bucket List, but I was
thinking more along the lines of trekking through the Sahara with a Berber
guide. A turn or two on a dromedary led
by zoo personnel wasn’t gonna cut it. Could I actually deny a four-year-old his adventurous
spirit? We’ll see …
I’ve learned there are now far more things to do at the zoo
than merely check out the animals. Our
first stop was at the Sky Trail Ropes Course.
Towering four stories above the parking lot with two climbing levels, it
touts an opportunity to test your strength and your courage.
With my fear of heights I wasn’t going to do it;
no way, no how. Besides, you have to be
48” tall to participate and Kaden is such a peanut. Someone had to stay behind with him. Whew!
Everyone else harnessed up and away they went.
Sarah found it a bit challenging,
but Zhak
and Olivia easily maneuvered the second level.
I swear they are part monkey!
“Aunt Lynn, can we ride the camel now?”
Nope. Zip line’s
next. Zhak had no qualms about donning
another harness to join Miss Cherri in flying four stories above the zoo. You think he liked it?
“Aunt Lynn, can we ride the camel now?”
Sorry, Kaden. Lunch
time! We enjoyed a sammy break, though we
could have done without the flock of mangy chickens and loud cock-a-doodle-do’ing
that accompanied us on the café terrace.
“Aunt Lynn, can we ride the camel now?”
Kaden had been so patient and I’m a sucker for big brown pleading
eyes. How could I say no to that little
cutie?
Yep, we rode the hump. I was less than enthused; he loved it.
‘nuff said.
Adventures out of the way, we finally took time to see some of
the critters.
After all was said and done, I was amazed to discover five
hours had passed. Who knew it was so
happening at the zoo?!?!?
2 comments:
We may just give the John Ball Zoo a re-try next summer. I became a non-fan three years ago, but perhaps a second go-round is in order!
It was a fun day with great weather and good company! And Kaden appreciated you riding the camel with him (glad it was you and not me!).
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