Flower of Life

The Flower of Life

The day started well. My mother called and told me I was off the hook. I didn’t have to show up to take her to the doctor after all. Not only that but she chose today to tell me that she appreciated my support. “I know you’re there for me, honey, even if I don’t always show it.” A great beginning.

Mine. The day was mine then.

Jeans and a warm sweatshirt with the Flower of Life on it, big, my favorite, perfect for --- the Zoo. There was a new baby at the Zoo – a special one – a snow leopard kitten showing to the public for the first time today. I had long been waiting for this day. It was a rare thing for a snow leopard to give birth in captivity; it was kind of a miracle. 

Miracles are my thing. Big and small, I collect them all. When I can, photos are the best but sometimes all I can do is write it down and record it for the book I hoped to write someday.

As I entered the Zoo I heard a commotion off to the left. As it was the right direction anyway, I took off to see what was causing all the yelling.

A young monkey had somehow gotten out of its enclosure and the mother monkey was screaming and trying to get to it. The baby was terrified, trying to find its mother and finding nothing familiar to orient itself. It was also screaming and crying and people were trying to catch it as it bounced around on the cement and tried to climb up people’s legs.

Hysteria all around, and no Zoo people are there to take charge of the situation. I stopped, centered, took a deep breath, stepped forward, and yelled “Everybody down – sit down on the ground and be quiet”. Slowly people began to sink to the ground, repeating what I had said to the others. Now there was quiet and the baby Monkey also became quiet, looking around at the more visible faces, near the level of his mother. He darted around, looking carefully at each face. 

I suggested we clear a path in the direction of his mother; he caught on immediately, able now to hear his mother clearly, and began to move in that direction. In the following silence, a rough voice called out loudly – “Who made you the boss?” I knew better than to answer, but anger, hot and insistent, came a-knockin' at my door. I struggled to control myself – the baby wasn’t safe yet. 

I didn’t need to reply – by some unspoken agreement

everyone turned their back on him and no one said a word. This was the opportune moment for the authorities to arrive and fortunately, they did. A young woman in a Zoo uniform walked quietly over and held out her hand to the baby. He climbed up gratefully and perched on her shoulder, now chittering in an excited voice in her ear. She was laughing as she took the baby into the enclosure and handed him to his mother. A happy reunion, needless to say. 

I felt drained, and I still had not seen the Snow Leopard kitten. As people crowded around me, thanking me, the Zoo keeper woman arrived, took my hand, and led me into the inside of the Zoo, saying ‘I think you need a cup of tea after all that!’ I was relieved to be rescued from the crowd and said to her that I had come to see the new kitten. She laughed, hugged me, and said, “After a cup of tea I’ll give you a special introduction."

Please, can we see the Leopard kitten first, I begged. I was not ready for sitting, still wired by the monkey event and a bit driven by my heart's desire to see this feline baby. Only 10 minutes walk away, in a peaceful and very private enclosure we found the mother and kitten. They were resting after the public showing and showed no signs of distress over my appearance with their familiar caretaker.

I was allowed to sit quietly in the hay about six feet away while the mother nursed her little one. I became aware of a meditative state that filled the enclosure. Safe and cared for, these animals were not afraid. I felt myself relax into oneness with them. 

I closed my eyes for a moment, blissful with the peace I was feeling when I felt a gentle tug at my knee. I looked down to see a small paw tugging at my jeans. The kitten was looking directly into my eyes and purring! When he saw my eyes open, he scampered back to his mother. I was lost. Done for. Hopelessly in love!

The gift of the Snow Leopards, to me, can only be called Peace on Earth. So rare that I know I have found another miracle, with these two beings. A deep connection with a wild animal who was willing to share a moment with a human animal.

In retrospect, it was a day of miracles. Firstly, my mother expressed love (she was much more comfortable with other emotions). Then I arrived at the chaotic event with the monkeys at the right moment and somehow knew just what to do, to diffuse and resolve the situation. And the intimate moment with the two leopards that I will carry all my life as a heart-affirming and opening miracle of connection.  

That afternoon ended with the promised cup of tea, a hug, and a lovely hour of sharing notes with Amanda, the Zoo lady. We sat in the Zoo cafeteria outdoor patio under the trees. She told me they had unobtrusive cameras all over the Zoo and the folks in the office had watched the whole thing, although no one was close enough to help more quickly. The man who verbally attacked me was asked not to return to the Zoo again. Their gratitude was expressed by the gift of a lifetime pass. I asked them to forego putting my picture in the newspaper.

All in all a very good day.