We went as a family with the kids in the after and invited my dad along as well. We had fun reacquainting ourselves with the gorillas and the penguins. It turns out though, that Austin has become wary of the large animals and wanted nothing to do with the hippos and giraffes - he just kept running back to the snakes! We got him to be happy with the lions and zebras, though, and we were set for the rest of the visit.
I really write this post for one reason: The Tiger. We had quite the event with the The Tiger today, although the boys had no idea and I only caught the last minute on video. I will do my best to recount:
We came up the the tiger enclosure and went around the north side. I was pushing Madden in the stroller as Austin was helping. Lincoln was on my dad's shoulders and Miles was walking along side us. It was Miles who spotted The Tiger in the back corner, just relaxing. I walked back with Austin to point out that The Tiger was near, and was looking at him, saying "hello". "That's no hello" comments Miles, and we continue on our way. Lincoln and Granddad are behind us observing at their own pace and we all leisurly walk around the enclosure, a little disappointed that we only see one tiger out today. Lincoln was discovering that falling and laying on the ground was amusing and at one point started licking a wet spot. All he had to do was ask for water, I brought plenty.
As we come around to the southeast side of the the enclosure there is a large puddle that Austin had discovered and both he and Lincoln started running through it, splashing muddy water from the melting snow all around them. I stood by and was amused as I watched my kids enjoy the spoils of the warm weather.
The next thing I hear is "He's hungry, he's coming this way" from Miles. I look up, and I see The Tiger walking slowly in a crouch. I can see his shoulder blades moving gracefully, purposfully with his every steps as he eyes the playful young in the short distance. Slowly he takes a few steps more, shrinking in the ground. He's getting ready for a pounce! I can't believe it, what behaviour to witness! The twins, not knowing that they're gleeful cries had brought forth the large carnivorous beast, continue playing and splashing in the water.
All of a sudden, The Tiger bounds forward with quick, graceful movements as he crosses to the exterior of the enclosure and down the gated wall toward the raucous. He slows down and quietly, gently peers around the corner of the cement block, for which I am so grateful. He observes his prey running back and forth, back and forth, his ears pinned back. He moves out from the behind the cement block and paces. He paces right along side the tempting snack, not letting them out of sight.
Lincoln runs, splashing, playing to his heart's desire, when suddenly the toe of his boot catches the cement and he falls, front first right into the puddle that was his friend. This is it! The Tiger stops his pacing right in front the fallen and with eyes so keen and determined, stares at him, willing him to come closer, to somehow slip through the steel that separates them so he could have a taste. Much to his disappointment, Lincoln was picked up and he continued running, not realizing the danger that was only feet away. The Tiger continues his tracking. He follows the splashes back and forth, back and forth until Lincoln once again falls and is swept up by his father. But wait, there is another. Austin continues to play and run and The Tiger follows. Austin runs down the path, away from the puddle, away from me, as he explores his environment and The Tiger follows. Realizing this will not be his day to test his hunting instincts and stretch his muscles, The Tiger goes off to lie down, defeated by the steel fence that protects us, daydreaming of the delicious meal that danced before him.
