Real Toads: open link Monday at the zoo

When we were in San Diego last month, I wanted nothing more than to visit the San Diego Zoo again — and again and again, if possible.

Well, at least I got there once, and if I wasn't particularly spry, my intrepid photographer certainly was, so he took plenty of photos, while I was able to sit down to write a bit of doggerel.



sunshine, blue sky, little tiny clouds
palm trees, jungle trees
and, below,
the crowds —
a dad with half a dozen boys,
a mom with seven girls,
grandparents with their pride and joy:
a six-year-old with curls.
newlyweds stroll arm in arm
while seniors walk with canes
teenagers try to seem blasé
with looks of mock disdain.
this is a weekday at the zoo
and everyone's excited
to see all the animals here,
they're thrilled, indeed delighted.

Some zoos and animal parks are a disgrace, but I truly believe the San Diego Zoo is focused on saving endangered species. They have contributed a great deal to the work of regenerating the Giant Panda, and have already released California Condors, among others, into the wild successfully. They also take on animals other zoos no longer want. These animals often need to be nursed back to health before being put on exhibit, and the devoted staff care for them wonderfully. If I didn't believe this, I would certainly not be submitting these photos to the online writers' group, Imaginary Garden with Real Toads. Today is Open Link Monday, and I wrote my little poem just for today.

© Richard Schear photos