The Bray Family: ZOO

"In the end, we conserve only what we love. We will love only what we understand. We will understand only what we are taught." - Baba Dioum, Senegalese poet

"When the last individual of a living species breaths no more, another Heaven and Earth must pass before such a one can be again." - William Beebe, American naturalist and author

We went back to the Las Vegas Zoo yesterday. It was a lot of fun! The little local zoo continues to improve itself with limited space and resources. We had so much fun exploring with the animals, and talking about endangered species and conservation. This little zoo is such an up-close, intimate experience with many at risk and endangered animals.

We had an especially meaningful experience with Terry the Chimpanzee. We've met Terry before, but this visit, he was spending some very sweet and quality time with a human friend. They obviously have a close and special relationship. During our past visits to the zoo, Terry was either often asleep, or in the far back of his habitat mostly ignoring those of us walking past. Yesterday, Terry was very expressive and interested in who was around him. When we approached his habitat he was sharing a pomegranate and conversation with his friend. Then, with our approach, they both waved hello, and began to include Tyler and Siena in their activities. We didn't take any pictures of our visit with Terry, but it was rather awe-inspiring and significant! The beautiful, big Chimpanzee began to play with Tyler and Siena through the glass window of his enclosure. Terry would place his large hands on the glass and knock on the window until the kids mimicked him. Their hands were so small in comparison, and the three of them would really look each other over and investigate. When one of the kids would lean closer and place their head against the glass, Terry would do the same. Tyler and Siena each took turns leaning forehead to forehead with Terry, with only the glass separating them. Terry would knock on the window and show us his pomegranate as he pulled it apart and ate the seeds. Tyler and Siena both asked several times if they could just go in with Terry to visit. It was wonderful that the children had such a great opportunity to interact with him on a level that was so real and personal to them! As Tyler and Siena looked straight into Terry's big brown eyes, there was absolutely no hesitation from them that he is an intelligent, emotional, and very interesting being. Both the kids had great questions after our visit with Terry the Chimpanzee. It was an experience that left a very real impression.