One of the tunes I have been singing with children since the seventies is Mama's Takin' Us to the Zoo Tomorrow. It was on a record by Peter, Paul and Mary that included Puff the Magic Dragon. Sometimes I stick to the original verses, and other times I branch out as fancy suits me. Preschoolers are game to mimic giraffes and snakes. 

 

When our own children were born we did more than just sing. We headed out to the San Diego Zoo and water parks, the beach and Disneyland. If there was a street festival within thirty miles I stuffed a back pack with snacks, diapers and sunscreen and we headed out. 

 

This week my twins invited me to go to the zoo. They had free passes from their work at Glencairn, and a day off from school so we took the plunge. This time it was them who packed the granola bars and water, umbrellas and money for parking. I did the driving, but they could have handled that too. The weather was warm enough to take off your sweater, but overcast so that the animals didn't hide. We read the descriptions of what each species ate, and where they lived. 

 

There was an overhead tunnel and monkeys were jumping across it, perhaps enjoying their own view. A peacock impressed the crowd with his splendid array of feathers. The flamingos did their yoga poses without a mat. 

 

There were a large contingent of Amish families, with black aprons and straw hats. We also crossed paths with Orthodox Jews, wearing traditional garments.  It is interesting to engage in a pastime that consists in nothing but observing one another, and I found the people to be as fascinating as the reptiles. 

 

When we were ready we schlepped back to the car, huddled under the umbrellas I surely would not have remembered on my own. They navigated the roads telling me when to turn. I marveled at the circle of life, and how my daughters are stepping in to care for me. It's almost as if that is how it is meant to be.