Flora and Fauna

I made my first visit to the NC Zoo when it opened, some twenty years ago. I remember it was a very hot day. There were few shady spots for either man or beast. If I stumbled across one of the few park benches, it was smack in the sun. The animals, being wiser than humans, stuck to the cool shadows around their enclosures, at the very back of their compounds. Frankly, there wasn't a lot to see. I remember feeling disappointed.

What a difference twenty years makes. The gardens have matured, plenty of benches dot the shady landscape, and interesting flora and fauna abound. There's something pretty to see around every corner.

Including down by the marsh.

And tucked away under shady canopies.

This little lovely adorned a gentle curve in the path.

But this is a zoo. So there has to be a little danger too. Here, a deceptively delicate pitcher plant awaits a fresh victim.

And did I mention the orchids?

Too numerous to count.

In every color imaginable.

"Earth laughs in flower"-Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Amen Brother.