Mrs. Abby Giraffe

Philadelphia Zoo, Jun 3, 2024

                                                                                                                                                                           A Children's Story                       

I didn't know she could talk... Imagine my surprise when I approach to take her a picture, and she says to me (in her very polite voice): "What a beautiful camera!".

I looked into her big eyes and she smiled at me... I could only open my mouth, but no sound came out.

She kept smiling and said, "My name is Abby, nice to meet you! Can you feed me, please? I would like some of those green leaves. I won't bite your fingers."

She took a few twigs and brought them to her mouth. She chewed them carefully and then said, "Thank you!" Finally I was able to speak, and I said, "How tall and beautiful you are! Can I take you a picture?"

She replied: "Do you think I'm beautiful?" and softly giggled. Then she said, "At my age, I must look like a serious giraffe. I count until 3 and you can take my picture". When she heard the click of the camera, she said, "Can you show it to me, please?" And I showed it to her. She said: "I like your photo, Thank you!". Then, Abby told me she had to take care of the children who came to visit her. And with a big smile, she said goodbye to me.