Talk To The Animals And They Talk Back...

I have to admit that I was a little nervous about going to the Bronx Zoo. A friend of mine said he'd been there as a child and it was kind of depressing. I was afraid it would be dark and dingy with wire cages and lethargic animals staring glassy eyed into the distance. It was a pleasant surprise.

I was entranced by the gorillas. I don't know why, but when you look into their faces, you feel like you're seeing a distant relative. They seem so much like us. The way they tumble around, laughing and playing, goofing around like pranksters. They seem to be laughing. And then suddenly, they turn to look at you and there just seems to be a deep intelligence in their eyes. It's a little eerie in a way.
And who couldn't fall in love with a baby gorilla? You really want to scoop them up and kiss on their little wrinkly faces.

An Okapi. A strange concoction that looks like a zebra horse offspring. It would only let me take its backside, perhaps its best side.

Stately giraffes. They're elegant as they saunter about. I don't know if they could maintain that grace if they broke into a run.
African Painted Dogs. A strange coloration, very homely in appearance. All I could think of was the hyenas in The Lion King. Slink is a word that comes to mind. However, I appreciated that they were so camera ready and accessible.

Zebras. An optical illusion that makes your head ache if you stare at them too long. Maybe that's the defense mechanism. It makes their predators dizzy if they chase them.

I forgot the name of this little winsome fellow. Maybe a golden tamarind? Or maybe that is some kind of spice? Oh, well. He was sweet-faced even if he probably would bite me if I tried to pick him up for a quick snuggle.
And Nyala. Pleasant little deer like creatures that make you feel peaceful to watch.

Cheetahs. The wire link fence seemed a little flimsy if you ask me. They were the only animals that I saw that looked a little bored. One came near the fence and paced back and forth a little. But maybe he was just staking his territory.
The race does not always go to the fastest.
What's not to like about goats? They're smart and resourceful and will eat out of your hand.