Written for “Share Your World” where
Di has asked the following questions:

- If reincarnation exists, would you like to come back as a domestic pet or a wild animal?
Obviously I don’t know what lies ahead; reincarnation is as believable to me as any other after-life concept. I’d happily return as a domestic pet if I knew I’d be in a loving and caring home. However, I have often looked up at the birds soaring in the sky and thought how lovely it would be to be free as a bird. As a Pisces, being a fish swimming around the vast ocean is also extremely attractive.
2. Do you think Zoos are a good idea?
Yes! I think zoos are an excellent idea, if well-maintained and the animals are cared for, protected and not restrained by cages. All my life I have been extremely fortunate to live nearby four of the greatest zoos in the NY if not the US: The Bronx Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, Queens Zoo and Central Park Zoo. The Bronx Zoo is the one we went to most frequently and the zoo where I have brought my children and now my grandchildren. Years ago it was a traditional zoo with animals in cages and or dens of some sort. Now the environment has changed for the better with animals enclosed in enormous fenced in areas and/or acres-large valleys. There is, for lack of a better term, an “underground city” beneath the zoo where doctors, hospitals, laboratories, kitchens, etc exist, all for the care, treatment, service and betterment of the animals. There is also a TV show dedicated to the Bronx Zoo which I have watched many times. The facility is amazingly well-organized and the happy existence of all the animals is everyone’s top priority. Click here to see all zoos in NYC, it’s boroughs, as well as the NY Aquarium.
3. Have you ever been to a safari park?
Yes, there is a “drive thru” safari park as part of the Six Flags theme park in New Jersey … about a two hour drive from my house. It’s fairly large and well maintained. The animals are in areas with similar animals (no lions roaming free with llamas, for example), and many come right up to your car. Windows are supposed to be kept closed at all times but there’s always some jerk who opens his and then it’s anyone’s guess what will happen. The animals are better behaved than the humans, which is often the case! It’s an adventure, especially for the kids, but I prefer the zoo.
4. Have you visited an oceanarium?
Again, yes … many times. Aquariums are close to my heart, considering the answer I gave to question #1 about reincarnation. There are several near my hometown, including the NY Aquarium, and it is an exceptional way to spend the day. Aquariums are visually beautiful and educational, as well. There are also several maritime shows a la Sea World every day; the shows are always entertaining for the whole family. Once again, if the underwater creatures are lovingly cared for, I see nothing wrong with maritime centers or aquariums. They are great places of interest for people of all ages.
Thanks to Di for preparing another interesting Share Your World. 🌍
NAR©2024
This is “At The Zoo” by Simon & Garfunkel
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for Nancy (The Sicilian Storyteller), The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.
Thanks for joining in Nancy. Lovely answers.
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Thanks, Di. So glad you enjoyed reading about this part of my world!
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Very interesting answers. It makes you think.
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Thinking is good, Esther. More people should do it! 😂
Thank you!
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A songbird would be nice, perhaps a bluebird, or a cardinal.
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It’s said when cardinals appear, an angel is near. I like that❣️
Thanks, D!
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Me too!
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I like your answers! Me? I’d be cat, the most pampered yet selfish creatures on earth, zoo’s have their uses, visited Kruger Safari Park and seen Dubai’s enormous Aquarium – they don’t do anything by half!
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Cats! Gotta love them …. and we do! In our 52 yrs of marriage, we’ve had more than 15 cats sharing our home at different times. If I could come back as any domestic animal, it would be a happy house cat …. for sure! 🐈⬛
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15? Meowww!
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Not at once, mind!
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Growing up in Fort Worth Texas, we had the Forest Park Zoo, one of the best in the country. My cousin did visit the New York Zoo back in the day, he was impressed. My brother-in-law firmly believes that his mother came back in the form of their pet Pug. He had all the traits and mannerisms that his mother exhibited.
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There’s a lot of history behind The Bronx Zoo and it was quite the architectural beauty of it’s time. Still is stunning as many of the original buildings remain; they are magnificent.
I hope your BIL got on well with his mother, especially now that she’s back. That’s hilarious! Not sure how I’d feel about my mother watching my every move ….. again!
Thanks, Phil. Always a pleasure.
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Great answers Nancy 🤗
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Thanks, Sadje, and thank you for reading. 😊
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It’s always my pleasure
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Yes I agree Nancy if run well by the right people they can be a force for good 💜💜
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Honestly, Willow …. I have zero tolerance for anyone who abuses animals, and I know you feel the same way. We’re very proud of our zoos and the incredible amount of heart that goes into all of them. Thanks, luv. 🩶🩶
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yezs indeed when it’s done properly it’s a beautiful thing 💜💜
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