Strolling through the park on a bright, sunny morning, hand in hand with the lovely Fiona, Oliver grins his beguiling smile.“What do you say we go by the Lincoln Park Zoo. It’s been years since I’ve been to a zoo, and I hear it’s a real Chicago tourist attraction. Are you up for it, my sweet?”
“Oh, I’d love to,” Fiona said, batting her eyes at Oliver. “I was just reading an article about the polar bears. Apparently, bear siblings compete with each other while swimming. Let’s go.”
Oliver takes off with a jaunty deliverance, beaming. “This I’ve got to see.”
Shrouded by the magnificent Chicago skyline, Lincoln Park Zoo stretched for miles along Lake Michigan. One of the oldest zoos in the world, attracting more than three million visitors a year, it featured North American wi
ldlife, consisting of black bear, red wolves, beaver and river otters. The African Apes showcase the endangered gorillas and chimpanzees, while the African Journey fully replicated the sights and sounds of some of the world’s rare and exotic creatures as pygmies, dwarf crocodiles and wild dogs, along wit
h elephants, giraffes, black rhinos and hippos.Enjoying the curious gorillas behind the massive glass paneling, Oliver and Fiona couldn’t help but laugh.
“They’re so curious,” Fiona said, pulling out her camera. “Look at that one in the corner, he looks so mischievous.”
Oliver waved to him, noting his name was Curious George. Sp
otting Oliver, George loped over to the glass and pressed hismug to the glass. In true spirit, Oliver pressed his mug nose to nose. Pretty soon, other apes and chimpanzees gathered to watch, staring at Oliver.
Oliver winked at Fiona. “Watch this.”Giving a stunning performance, Oliver grinned broadly, pumped his biceps and took a sweeping bow. Monkey see, monkey do, all the gorillas and chimps followed suit, grinning and pumping their biceps. In unison, they took a
sweeping bow.“Ah, yes,” Oliver puts an arm around Fiona as they left “All in a day’s work.”
He reached into his pocket for Fiona's favorite treat.
8 comments:
Loved this post Sharon, I can just imagine Oliver teaching the apes how to flex their biceps and bow - and he can take me for a ride on the caroussel anytime! LOL
Thanks, Lyn. I enjoyed it and was laughing so hard, visualizing all the chimps pumping their muscles. And thank you so much for finding the priceless graphics to go with it. Great stuff!
Hi Sharon!! Oh how I love Chicago!! The Field Museum is my absolute favorite, followed by Navy Pier. (Haven't made it to the zoo yet so that may change!) -and who doesn't love the pizza???? BTW-I only just recently ran across your website and it is BEE-U-TIFUL!!!! Keep up the great work!!
Hi Autumn! I've chosen Chicago for a few of my books, with its rich history and brilliant skyline. And yes, Field Museum would be awesome. Oh, Oliver, bring in that loaded Chicago pie. It smells divine! Thanks for dropping by. Glad you're enjoying my website. Mmm. Isn't this pizza to die for?
I don't know why, but I can picture it. Oliver dressed in a loincloth. Flexing and flying through the jungle. Wait, that's Tarzan. Oliver, you make a great Tarzan.
Loved the zoo. I always have.
Hi Mary. Sigh. Yes, Oliver is indeed a jack of all trades! An ape whisperer. Who knew???
Sharon,
I almost had Austin and Jenny taking a trip to the Chicago Zoo. It would have been a fun write-up.
Oliver is cool. He never ceases to amuse me. Pressing his mug against the gorilla's glass. That was hilarious. LOL.
Hi Laurie,
I love using Chicago for a setting. With its vast history and renovations and one of the oldest zoos in the world, it makes for an interesting and colorful backdrop. Thanks for commenting!
Sharon
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