...urban safari...

Did you know that a zebra's stripes are as unique as a fingerprint? I didn't, until today when Andy and I strolled around the St. Louis Zoo.

The St. Louis Zoo is one of the top in the nation. They are consistently trying to add new features and update old ones so as to make for the best experience for the animals and for the masses viewing them. And it is completely free to the public. 

I'm still unsure of zoos. Many moons ago I went to the zoo and walked around to the big cats and saw the lion. He came out to the center of his habitat, turned his back on the crowd and sat down. There was something defiant in that action, as if he knew and he wanted us to know he knew. Afterward, I felt sad and confused and didn't go back for a long time. 

As we drove toward Forest Park I asked Andy his thoughts on the subject. His response: Should we not cage dogs or cats in our house? It's a fair question. I'm not sure how much my thoughts have changed on the subject, but I'm thankful to be able to see animals that I would otherwise not have an opportunity to appreciate. They are truly majestic creatures, deserving honor, kindness and respect. And I feel that the St. Louis Zoo is very good to its tenants. 

We past by the lions and tigers and bears (I'm not kidding!) and we stopped to admire the prairie dogs (Andy's favorite) and the zebras.

But my favorite and the reason we went, was to walk through the sea lion tunnel. Newly established in the last few years, it was the first time that Andy and I had an opportunity to walk through it. And it was marvelous!

The sea lions were gliding through the water, back and forth, up and down, right side up and upside down. Kids giggled and gawked while parents took pictures. Grownups trying to "speak" to the sea lions through barks. The sunlight glistening through the water creating a beautiful effect across the tunnel, and us. Watching them swim struck something in me.

They swam with abandon. There was no need to worry about a predator attack, there was no urgency to find food. It was as if to feel the water against their skin was their greatest pleasure. They seemed relaxed, content. As if they were doing what they were intended to do all along. Simply swim and enjoy and be themselves.

We paused for many minutes and observed them, both inside and outside the tunnel. And I considered my life, and if I was doing what I was intended to do. And what would that even look like? And, if I was exactly where I was supposed to be, would I know it?

Would you?

For more information on the St. Louis Zoo, click here.