Sense Sonnet - Pumper

New Klipspringer in New Spring - LP Zoo

I'm here to say a "Howdy Do,"
From this young klipspringer female,
Here at home in Lincoln Park Zoo,
In my debut from head to tail.
I'm old enough to now come out
In African Journey so that
I can explore through all about,
Happening in my habitat.
Wherever I happen to be,
Mom is keeping a watchful eye,
And never is too far from me.
It's good to know that Mom's nearby.

You can tell Mom from her horn set.
I am too young to get horns yet.

Sense Sonnet - Pumper

Bana and Kwan Announce... - LP Zoo

Mom, Bana, and Dad, Kwan, announce
A baby gorilla born new.
Out on June 12th the baby did bounce
Here at home in Lincoln Park Zoo.
Mom and baby are doing well,
Getting a lot of rest so that
The health of the two will excel
Over time in the habitat.
Dad is keeping a watchful eye
On all his growing family.
Nine of his troop now occupy
The home sweet home where they all be.

The newest addition to add,
Congratulations Mom and Dad.

Sense Sonnet - Acher

For All Chimps - LP Zoo

I do ask for your help, I do,
On behalf of chimpanzees all.
I live well in Lincoln Park Zoo,
But most do not, please heed the call
To help chimpanzees in the wild,
Where there are bad conditions that
Over time too much have compiled,
Destructive of chimp habitat.
Chimpanzees are endangered in
The wild due to how humans act.
Without help there'll be a time when
Chimp extinction could be a fact.

I be a lucky chimp I be.
Most chimps are not lucky like me.

Sense Sonnet - Pumper

Flamingo Pop - LP Zoo

This Chilean flamingo Dad
On Father's Day twenty nineteen,
All in orange and pink feathered clad,
Does take a Dad nap 'twixt and 'tween
Helping Mom to raise our chicks,
Here at home in Lincoln Park Zoo,
Building the nest with mud and sticks,
And sit on the eggs I do do,
Taking turns helping incubate.
And when the chicks do hatch, I feed
From milk I make just like my mate,
A multi tasking Dad indeed.

Soon from my Dad nap I'll awake,
Then back to work for my chicks' sake.

Sense Sonnet - Pumper

Tenrec for Short - LP Zoo

Lesser Madagascar hedgehog
Tenrec does be my longish name.
Tiz said this quite long namealog
Is longer than me, so some claim.
I can grow to six inches long,
And so outgrow my name a bit.
It matters not who's right or wrong,
And I don't wish to dwell on it.
Suffice to say I'm long enough,
Whether on ground or in a tree,
To accomplish my tenrec stuff,
However long that it takes me.

I go to any length, I do,
To thrive here at Lincoln Park Zoo.

Sense Sonnet - Pumper

Stripetastic - LP Zoo

This zebra does have stripes, I do.
I am striped out in black and white
Here at home in Lincoln Park Zoo.
See me and see a stripeful sight.
I love to go a striping, yes,
Covered in stripes is who I be.
I never want to be stripeless,
I can say that quite stripefully.
All time, all place I be striped out.
I do stripes 24/7.
I'm an awesome striper, no doubt.
Each stripe is a piece of heaven.

When you come by my habitat,
Remember stripes are where I'm at.

Sense Sonnet - Pumper

Jamaican Iguana

A Jamaican iguana, I
Am sure a proud lizard to do
Conserving work and occupy
A new home at Lincoln Park Zoo.
My kind were thought to be extinct.
It was in 1990 that
A few of us were found and linked
To the ancestral habitat.
In that wild we have increased some,
But still an endangered specie.
So human help is most welcome.
For more awareness, here I be.

The Small Mammal Reptile House is
Where I await to do good biz.

Sense Sonnet - Tickler

Getaway

The son is going on a trip,
And asks his dad for a ride to
The bus station with his clothes grip.
This favor dad agrees to do.
As they're driving, the son does ask
If they can stop at the bank so
The son can do a money task.
They make that stop then off they go.
Dad drops his son off at the bus,
Then drives back home and cops are there.
Bank robbery is what's the fuss,
And dad was seen at when and where.

Dad is arrested and the cops are
Saying his is the getaway car.

Sense Sonnet - Chiller

Endangered Species Day '19 - LP Zoo

Endangered Species Day we hear
Is May 18th, twenty nineteen.
And we crowned lemurs do appear
To be what endangered does mean.
Over time our species are
Dwindling lots in numbers so that
There's now few in Madagascar
Due to the loss of habitat.
Humans are cutting down the trees,
Destroying where we lemurs roam,
Wiping out lemur families,
Because we are without a home.

We are in Lincoln Park Zoo, where
We can help make you more aware.

Sense Sonnet - Pumper

Let the Nails be Done - LP Zoo

For nail care what does Dudley do?
The three banded armadillo,
Here at home in Lincoln Park Zoo,
Has learned real well how to chill so
He gets a manicure stress free.
Keepers work with Dudley hands on.
He has become aware that he
Can make a decision upon
Going to the site for nail care.
He then places each nail so that
Each nail can be manicured there,
And then back to the habitat.

Dudley has becomes self assured
That his nails are well manicured.

Sense Sonnet - Pumper

Threepeating Dads - LP Zoo

Red wolf, Rhett, and rhino, Maku,
And gorilla, Kwan, all do be,
Here at home in Lincoln Park Zoo,
New Dads - congratulations three.
These Dads have all been Dads before,
And so it is not a new thing.
Each knows the routine less or more
That comes with each's fathering.
Each Dad takes pride in knowing that
Each did help in bringing about
New life into the habitat.
Dad had a crucial role, no doubt.

If you happen to come Dad's way,
Please wish each Happy Father's Day.

Sense Sonnet - Pumper

Mosi Ponders - LP Zoo

This gorilla is chilling out.
On a piece of straw I do chew,
Watching all the world go about
Here at home in Lincoln Park Zoo.
In my thirteen years I have seen
A lot while watching this and that,
Inside and outside, 'twixt and 'tween
Moving around my habitat.
Some quiet time I like to take
To ponder all that's going on,
To see if some sense I can make
Of busy world phenomenon.

I am Mosi just mosying
In time and place doing my thing.

Sense Sonnet - Pumper

Two Do a Wrap - LP Zoo

We green tree pythons, we are two,
And just hanging out in a tree
Here at home in Lincoln Park Zoo,
All wrapped up in ourselves be.
We very seldom make a move
Once we're settled in our wrap.
Together we do share a groove,
Sometimes awake, sometimes in nap.
The keepers bring us food so that
We have to just unwrap enough
To reach food in the habitat.
Life here is really not too tough.

Every day we can be seen,
Both wrapped up in a bunch of green.

Sense Sonnet - Pumper

People Watching - LP Zoo

I like to people watch, I do.
This chameleon's curious
Here at home in Lincoln Park Zoo.
Getting a close view is a plus.
My habitat has a glass wall,
And through the glass I do look out
To watch the people one and all,
As people walk by and about.
I'm never bored by people peek.
All shape and size and color, they
Are each and ev'ry one unique,
And fun to watch while on display.

So when you come to visit me,
You too on people watch will be.

Sense Sonnet - Pumper

Two Weeks Old - LP Zoo

I am going on two weeks old,
And ev'ry day there's something new
For this rhino calf to take hold
Here at home in Lincoln Park Zoo.
Mom is teaching me lots about
The do and don't of this and that.
And I am having less self doubt
As I explore the habitat.
Human beings being around,
I'm getting more used to each day.
They are quite friendly I have found,
And seem to me happy to play.

Mom says that soon we both will be
Going outside for more to see.

Sense Sonnet - Pumper

Desert Gear on Display - LP Zoo

I do show desert gear, I do,
Of how we fennec fox do well,
Though I am in Lincoln Park Zoo,
My kind in hot deserts do dwell.
Thick fur does block the sun in day,
And insulates from cold at night.
Hairy paws are boots in a way
To roam through desert sands all right.
And such big ears we have so that
We hear whatever moves around,
Day or night in the habitat.
If sound of food, then off we're bound.

Of course here my food's brought to me.
In a comfy climate I be.

Sense Sonnet - Pumper

Human Encounter - LP Zoo

We penguins encounter, we do,
Human visitors ev'ry day,
Here at home in Lincoln Park Zoo,
A time and place for fun and play.
The visitors get seated in
The encounter area first.
We then arrive and do begin
An encounter that's not rehearsed.
Back and forth we penguins do move.
We waddle here, we waddle there,
Ev'rybody gets in the groove
Of a happy fun time to share.

You too can reserve a seat for
Connecting with penguins galore.

Sense Sonnet - Pumper

Kenya Crested Guinea Fowl - LP Zoo

A Kenya crested guinea fowl,
I can be spotted moving through
African Journey on the prowl,
Here at home in Lincoln Park Zoo.
I am an awesome looking bird
With feathers spotted white on black,
Strutting about quite self assured
Through my habitat forth and back.
If you stand near the wire mesh wall
I will strut over close to say
Thank you much for coming to call.
I say thanks in a clucking way.

And as my clucking thanks are said,
My feathered mop shakes on my head.

Sense Sonnet - Pumper

Itta Boy Two - LP Zoo

The baby rhino born brand new
Is a boy, announcement does be
Here at home in Lincoln Park Zoo,
The second for Mom, Kapuki.
Mom and son are doing quite well
Behind the scenes receiving care
In the habitat where they dwell,
Getting some private time to share.
The camera does video,
Showing the bonding 'twixt and 'tween
Mom and son, and the bond does show
Going strong in the special scene.

Hashtag RhinoWatch does roll on,
Catching this bond phenomenon.

Sense Sonnet - Acher

Lions Leaving Together - LP Zoo

The lions will be leaving soon,
Leaving for Kansas, yes they do,
All together, quite opportune,
Bittersweet for Lincoln Park Zoo.
The Lion House does need to be
Redone to make a better home
For all in the future to see
An awesome place where lions roam.
Farewell Sahar, king of the pride,
Including Miss Kamali and
Sister Zalika at his side.
Your stay with us has been just grand.

Goodbye good friends, we'll miss you all,
So many good times to recall.

Sense Sonnet - Pumper

Welcome Babes of May of '19 - LP Zoo

New babies do bring joy, they do,
And so there's double joy to be
Here at home in Lincoln Park Zoo,
Each an endangered specie.
An eastern black rhinoceros,
A western lowland gorilla,
Are both causing a happy fuss,
And quite a heartwarming thrilla.
Both the babies are doing well,
Their respective Moms giving care
In the habitats where they dwell,
Ready for futures to share.

The month of May, twenty nineteen,
Two special babies make the scene.

Sense Sonnet - Pumper

Sssounds of Silence - LP Zoo

This rattlesnake rattles, I do.
My rattles rattle on my tail,
Here at home in Lincoln Park Zoo,
A loud noise on a sliding scale.
But visitors cannot hear me,
Cuz there is a wall of glass that
Is 'twixt and 'tween and soundproof be,
Protective of my habitat.
So when I see you standing there
On the other side of the glass,
I slither up so I can share
Good time with you before you pass.

With no intent to terrify,
I do a tongue out to say, "Hi."

Sense Sonnet - Pumper

The Searching Four - LP Zoo

A foursome of dwarf mongoose do
Pop up to check out this and that
Here at home in Lincoln Park Zoo
Looking about their habitat.
And what might they be looking for?
Most likely something they can munch.
Food sits fine with the furry four,
And any time is time for lunch.
In ev'ry direction they peek
Into ev'ry cranny and nook.
For something edible they seek,
And oh so intently each look.

And when a munchie does be found,
All four dwarf mongoose there be bound.

Sense Sonnet - Pumper

Rhino Special Delivery '19 - LP Zoo

Here at home in Lincoln Park Zoo
Comes a special delivery.
A baby rhino comes brand new.
Mom, Kapuki, does motherly,
Tenderly tend to her calf while
The human care team does stand by.
Mom with her calf, in rhino style,
Is taking steps to signify
The proper sequence of care that
For the baby will best assure
Good progress in the habitat,
Forward for a healthy future.

Congratulations we do say
To Kapuki - a special day!

Sense Sonnet - Pumper

Kapuki in Labor - LP Zoo

This is Kapuki, rhino Mom,
About to be a Mom again,
Letting you know that I am calm
As the birth's about to begin.
My water broke a bit ago,
And so I am in labor now.
This experience I do know.
Of course I am quite happy - wow!
I know my care team's watching me,
With all that hi tech stuff about.
My baby is about to be.
What a great time to share, no doubt!

Here at home in Lincoln Park Zoo,
About to be a rhino new.

Sense Sonnet - Pumper

Took a Stand - LP Zoo

The new born rhino calf did do
A stand up job as up it stood,
Here at home in Lincoln Park Zoo,
And stood up quickly - this is good.
Mom, Kapuki, proudly looks on,
Her face filled with a Mother's joy
With the happy phenomenon.
News to come if a girl or boy.
It is a milestone moment that
By camera we all can share,
By watching in the habitat
The wonders of the new birth there.

Please continue to watch along,
Hashtag RhinoWatch going strong.

Sense Sonnet - Pumper

Nayembi Gives Chase - LP Zoo

Young gorilla, Nayembi, is
Chasing her two sisters around
The habitat in playful biz,
A time and place of fun abound.
With a blanket she covers so
She's now an invisible force,
And surely her sisters don't know
Who their chaser might be, of course.
And while Nayembi does give chase,
And under blanket she does vault,
She decides to take time and place
To do an awesome somersault.

Young Nayembi is rolling through
Daily life at Lincoln Park Zoo.

Sense Sonnet - Pumper

Super Blender - LP Zoo

What does this chameleon do
No matter where I be at,
Here at home in Lincoln Park Zoo,
Peeking out from my habitat?
This lounging lizard does blend so,
In and amongst the greenery,
And seeming to be a no show,
As you intently seek to see.
I do enjoy watching you try
To find me as about you stare,
And your excitement when you spy
Me, and do know that I am there.

When you look for me, yes I might
Be hiding from you in plain sight.

Sense Sonnet - Acher

No Snow Blues - LP Zoo

Even though it's the end of May,
I do hope for snow, yes I do,
Cuz it be the snow monkey way
Here at home in Lincoln Park Zoo.
I notice there's a cloudy sky,
Which is needed if there be snow.
But cold temperature must comply,
Freezing fahrenheit or below.
I'd guess it's sixty plus degrees,
Not good for snow to come to be,
Unlikely any wet will freeze,
Very disappointing for me.

The warm weather makes it quite plain,
I will have to settle for rain.

Sense Sonnet - Pumper

Getting Used to Humans - LP Zoo

Some of my human care team do
Stop by with us to assure that,
Here at home in Lincoln Park Zoo,
All is well in the habitat.
My rhino calf, who's two days old,
Sees these strange things moving about,
Kind of scary to first behold,
Filling my little calf with doubt.
I tell my calf to just be calm.
These are good humans who give care.
My calf stays safely behind Mom,
Taking all in with intense stare.

As time goes by my calf will know
Lots of humans do come and go.