June 18th 2007

The trip to ZOOZ! was unforgettable! It was a busy day for ZOOZ! as there were apparently a number of schools there. Wagon rentals are available which is fantastic, however they were all taken when we got there. You can pack your lunches and bring your coolers! There is a food counter serving surprisingly good food - but the line...dear god the line was horrendous. I concluded though that people (like us for example) may not have been aware of the picnic option and assumed no outside food. I hate being told I can't eat or have on my person, a sandwich. Therefore, I assume the worst and hope they can make it up to me by forcing me to buy their food.

Many beautiful moments with Daxon learning and taking it all in. It felt somewhat therapeutic to be close to these beasts, birds and primates. I had some wonderful exchanges, a giraffe's curiously loving gaze and a spider monkey who scampered away with my heart after discussing our snacks and comparing them. I am sensitive to animals in captivity and if I sense they are distressed, I don't feel good about being there or going back. I have to say that these animals lived in well maintained areas, there were knowledgeable staff working the shows. Despite a pissed off, over heated Caracal, the majority of the animals seemed relaxed and content, not obsessive and skittish.

There is a splash pad, a huge climbing park, sandbox area, bungie/trampoline ride, pony rides, an educational tram that takes you around the park, free catch & release fishing (poles supplied), free paddleboats, biggie size chess and checkers in a field next to the gopher hole; which was hotter than a corrupt republican CEO's collar *choke*.

Ah but seriously folks, the most interesting thing about this whole place is that it is filled with steel sculptures. It is the work of Rod Dowling and it's Canada's largest steel sculpture collection by one artist on one site. These animals live among art!

Go visit their website which is very helpful and informative.
http://www.zooz.ca