I have such a connection with the animal world. I simply love the furry beasts. D-O-G-s are my favorite. But, every time I go to the zoo, I find myself captivated, delighted (in some ways) and enthralled.

We’ve not had zoos all that long in the U.S. In 1860, Central Park Zoo, the first public zoo in the United States, opened in New York, although in 1859, the Philadelphia Zoological Society had made an effort to establish a zoo, but delayed opening it until 1874 because of the American Civil War. Zoos were really crappy to animals back then. Some still are. But some do a pretty decent job at conservation, and protection. So, the balance.

A primate named Floyd.

A primate named Mona.