by Anura Guruge
on August 27, 2023
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Long time ago; nearly 50 years. This was in the U.K.
I lived more or less next door to an open air zoo. They had a HUGE bengal tiger in an ‘open’ cage. I used to visit often, late in the day, after work. Can’t remember what the deal was. Whether I paid, had some arrangement or they just let me in because it was late and they knew I lived across the field.
I would go, sit by the cage, and talk to the tiger. Like a dog. I sat there & I would talk. After a while he got used to me being there, talking to him. Given the lateness of the day, there was never many folks around. He used to amble over and sit next to me across the fence! This went on for awhile. When I would get up to leave, he would get up too.
So, I was not a stranger. Yes, I progressed to sneaking my hand in and stroking him. Just like a dog.
Well I am typing & I have both hands. SMILE.
