Polar bear 4

Laughing Through Lincoln Park: Chronicles of a Zoo Day

Chicago 2014 Chronicles: A Wild Day Four Adventure

A Not-So-Crack-of-Dawn Start

Ah, the best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry, or in our case, delayed by approximately five minutes courtesy of our perpetually tardy companion, Lewis. Nevertheless, we embarked on what promised to be an uproarious day in Chicago, setting our sights on Lincoln Park Zoo.

Zoo or Not to Zoo?

Contemplating our mode of transport, I floated the idea of replicating yesterday’s Forest Park-L train combo. Michele, however, decided that maneuvering through the urban jungle would be smoother on four wheels – and by smoother, I mean, she’d rather not risk her nerves on the public transit rollercoaster.

Off we went, guided by the omniscient satnav. All was well until it decided to throw a curveball and send me loop-de-looping down the west side, heading towards the north end of town.

Hold on, is this a scenic route or a GPS tantrum?

“Hey, Michele, want to take the wheel?” I proposed, slightly puzzled. Her response? A resounding “No, dear, you’re doing just fine!” Famous last words, perhaps.

Polar Bears and Playful Primates

Parking kerfuffle aside, we made it to the zoo and commenced our critter-filled escapade. Monkeys swung, rhinos lumbered, birds flapped, and spiders… well, they did their eight-legged thing. Yet, it wasn’t until we stumbled upon the polar bear that our hearts collectively melted. This majestic creature seemed to revel in aquatic antics, entertaining kids and adults alike from the below-water observation point.

In the realm of primates, the baby gorilla took center stage, engaging in antics that ranged from endearing to downright hilarious. Notably, a golden shower upon its mother – a delightful spectacle for the onlookers, if not the soggy parent.

Meerkat Mayhem

Exiting the primate zone, Elle decided to test her YouTube-acquired meerkat-calling skills. The meerkats, evidently perplexed and possibly insulted, scattered momentarily, only to regroup in a flurry of fur, ever vigilant for imaginary predators.

Homeward bound, the $25 parking fee seemed a pittance compared to other zoos. I suppose they make you pay for the free entertainment in one way or another.

The Evening Unwind

Friday evening unfolded with a triumphant conquest of the grocery store aisles – the “big shop” – a prelude to an evening of beer-sipping and eavesdropping on the infectious laughter of Elle, Josh, and Kendra. As Lewis took charge of the kitchen, concocting a tea-time feast, one couldn’t help but wonder, “What’s he after?”

Post-edit disclaimer: Grammar and spelling had a rendezvous with a few too many beers. Whoops!

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