Thursday, October 28th, Jane and I traveled to Memphis to visit with Ewing and Jane (Carruthers). We had lunch with Great Granddad and Great Grandmother Jane before Granddad had to go to work-yes-Granddad is 93 and still works! Grandmother Jane spent the afternoon with us at the Memphis Zoo. I have fond memories of going to the zoo with Grandmother Jane and I am THRILLED Jane was able to do the same! The zoo has changed a ton since I last visited. They have the China Theater with giant pandas, The Northwest Passage for polar bears, sea lions and bald eagles, a new Teton Trek with swans, grizzlies, wolves and elk, and Cat Country. Much has changed, but the feeling was the same. We had the best afternoon together!!
We also found the plaque near the main entrance explaining the zoo's first bear, Natch, which Ewing's father donated in 1905. "Near this spot in 1905"Natch" the black bear created public interest resulting in the founding of Memphis Zoological Garden April 4, 1906. Erected on this 75th Anniversary by Memphis Zoological Society April 4, 1981." Very cool! I like to think this is one reason I love the zoo so much-its in my blood!
We saw lions, tigers, and bears-oh my! Polar bears, giraffes, elephants, rhinos, hippos, the sea lion show, polar bear, panda bears, monkeys, snow leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, meerkats, and much much more. I was pleasantly surprised how interested Jane was in the animals and eager to see more. Jane had a full two days of animals with the Tennessee Safari Park and Memphis Zoo back to back! (Sidenote: It is interesting to see how much more interested she is in The Lion King now that she has seen these animals up close)
I am so glad that Jane (and I) could go to the zoo with Great Grandmother Jane! We hope to return soon and see the other half!
We love y'all very much!
