Standing at the glass, on a safari truck, in the water, within an exhibit, surrounded by animals, it happens. Something profound, unexpected, and utterly and totally life affirming - you enter the world of a species not your own. You suddenly have new eyes. Or maybe you don't. Maybe, this time, this moment, is not yours. Instead, maybe its your son's or your daughter's. Maybe its your Mom's or Dad's. Maybe its your sister's or brother's, your friend's, or maybe its someone's moment of connection which you just happen to be lucky enough to witness. Whether it is you, someone dear, or someone you don't really know, you know that their life is forever changed. As absurd as that may sound - that a moment at a park could change your life - if you've been there, at the glass, on a safari truck, in the water, within an exhibit, surrounded by animals, you know it happens. A connection - extraordinary, precious, and real - given without expectation by an animal; an animal who - with a single shared moment - opens your eyes to a bigger world. This is a world in which your voice, your choices, your passion truly matter. This is a world to which you are connected.
