How Children Are Like Zoo Animals

Recently, I took the kids to the local zoo. Yep, all three kiddies and me. We thought it would be a nice way to kick off summer vacation. While navigating the property, we encountered tons of different and unique animals, each of whom reminded me of one of my kids at some point.

I know what you are thinking — “She is looney”. Either that or you think I am the worst mother in the world, for sharing with the world, that I, on occasion, have an easy time comparing my children to zoo animals. But, I bet you could, too. There are so many similarities between wildlife creatures and our children, and passing up an opportunity to make and share the correlation, was just something I could not do.

Ever seen a toddler go “ape-sh*t” on you. BOOM. There is your gorilla. For real, right? How else are our kids like gorillas? Well, gorillas spend their daily time in three main activities which are: feeding, traveling, and resting — the same as your child, who basically only wants to eat, stay busy, rest and then repeat.

Do your kids enjoying viewing the tortoises at your local zoo. I am sure they do, because its like visiting a long-lost family member. Think about it! Ever beg your young child to hurry up because it takes them ten million years to do anything, including get their shoes on or get out of the car? That is because they are like the land tortoise who moves at less than one mile an hour. Nice little family reunion for them then, right?

Oh, wait. Did you just secretly open a snack to have for yourself?. No way that you are going to enjoy that little goodie without your child, with his slothbear-like, keen sense of smell and great eyesight, asking you for some.  You will never, ever get away with eating something and not having to share some of it with your children — ever again.

And, how about those lorys who have no concept of respect for personal space. Ever walk into the lory sanctuary at a zoo and have them leave you completely alone. That is rare. Usually, once you enter, they swarm you — they are on your head, your shoulders, your arms — just about everywhere. Like your children, right? I mean when is one not being held by you, or tugging on or touching you? For me, it feels like never.

You know what other animal my children are like? Giraffes — or at least the ones at my local zoo. The giraffes there are very moody and often do not comply with the requests of the handlers to come close for the giraffe encounter. Who does this sound like? Who else can be ill-tempered, rebellious and non-compliant? I don’t think I have to tell you who — pretty sure you have that one figured out.

You  also can’t forget about how our children, as toddlers, often waddle like drunk penguins, typically stink like the warthog and spit like the llama whenever they excitedly talk to you.

And, there is one last comparison to be made, however this one might surprise you. This was not a creature that had its own exhibit or its own encounter at our zoo. Rather, it was a creature that we saw and observed, many times, merely walking the zoo property. Can you guess what it was? A butterfly.

How are butterflies similar to our children? Well, just like children, each butterfly we saw was different and unique in its appearance. Each one had different mannerisms, unique to itself. Each one was taking a different path and flying in a different pattern. You know what else? Each butterfly was beautiful and each butterfly made us smile. Wouldn’t you say the same about your children?

You know me…I couldn’t end on a less than positive comparison.

So, see…it isn’t always bad to be compared to an animal. I am proud of my children’s animal-like qualities. I love animals and I love kids. That is why I am totally cool with my son wanting to go to the zoo, aquarium, and/or pet store each and everyday.

Sandra Bullock said once, “If you don’t have kids and animals, you don’t truly know what life is about”.

Amen, sister.