The Squirrel and Baboon
Went up in a Balloon;
And going up the steps to get a better view,
I waited just to see
Professor Chim Pan Zee,
Who lectured on “Man’s Origin” from the Bear-pit of the Zoo!
The Lioness and Cubs
Were romping in the shrubs,
While the Lion took a ramble to see a sight or two;
And how the Gardens ring
With cheering for the King!
They’re very loyal subjects in the Kingdom of the Zoo!
The Bears they call the Polar,
And Rhinoceri (the Solar!)
Performed gymnastic feats with my droll old friend the Gnu!
What balancing and vaulting!
What double somersaulting!
I never saw such acrobats—excepting at the Zoo!
The laughter came in peals
From the smooth and glossy Seals,
As they swallowed Flying Fish of every varied hue;
And the phosphorescent light
So beautifully bright,
That marked their rapid flight,
Made a Grand Illumination in the Gardens of the Zoo!
I could not count the faces
Of all who joined the Races,
But the Tortoise came in first to keep Tradition true,
And the Cobra-di-Capella
Seemed quite a pleasant fellah
As the Keeper of the Ring at the Races of the Zoo!
Now Jumbo the “Sagacious,”
So Princely and so gracious,
Had lent his back capacious,
To all the tribes of Monkeys who cared to see the view!
With Alice as his Bride
Now strutting by his side,
He walked with stately stride!
Oh! happiest of families within the dear old Zoo!
Now Birds of every feather
Flock in haste together,
In spiral column twining,
Their little bright eyes shining,
Their lovely plumage glittering,
Their tiny tongues all twittering,
To pay their nightly homage to the Owls—and Owlets too!
In circles whirling high,
From the Clock Tower to the sky;—
A pretty sight to look at from the Terrace of the Zoo!
Birds and Beasts and Fishes,
Gave me kindest wishes;
I felt as much at home as I’ve often felt with you!
But my gentle little Neddy
Was dreadfully unsteady,
And much the Wildest Animal that evening in the Zoo!
And then they had a Dance!
The latest things from France!
With Highland reels and jigs, quadrilles, and polkas too!
And Mrs. Hippopot
It made her very hot,
Waltzing with the Ape in the Tunnel of the Zoo!
And when the Moon grew pale,
The Peacock’s brilliant tail
Shed forth its lustrous rays to light the dancers through!
And how we clapped our hands
At the Armadillo’s bands!
They played such splendid tunes that evening in the Zoo!