They were both rescued from bad circumstances and are currently living happily-ever-after at the Austin Zoo, which we visited last week on the first of our two moving trips.

Along with this incredibly friendly turtle, and many others just like them.

Now I have mixed feelings about zoos. As an avid lover of wildlife (which will be prevalent in all my novels) I adore seeing and learning about creatures that I would never be able to see or learn about if zoos didn’t exist, but my heart aches every time I witness them trapped in enclosures and aquariums dependent on humans for their every need—not roaming or swimming free in their natural habitats as God created them to be. And yes, I know that zoos, especially rescues, do amazing things, and bring light to the plight of many animals, birds, fish, and creepy crawlers across this earth, but I’ve always wondered if we are doing them more harm than good.

But then I remind myself that all the animals at this zoo, and many others like it, are full of creatures that were once circus animals, laboratory research victims, and pets. Or any number of things that caused their need for rescue.

So will I continue to go to zoos? Yes, but I will always research the zoo first to make sure they are doing more good than harm, and are taking every step in giving these creatures the best life they can have under the circumstances. And I hope you all do the same.

The llama and Bambi’s butt thank you!

And the lioness thanks you, too. Although, she was a wee bit testy here, but we’ll let that slide because I think she was hungry. And hangry is a real thing, just ask my husband.

I have a favor to ask before I let you all go. Please watch where your products come from. I didn’t get any pictures of them because I was too engrossed in their cuteness and too stunned by their stories, but this zoo had a whole section of monkeys that spent years (and I’m talking years) being tortured with many of the products we use every day. I have absolutely no doubt they will flip for joy and give lots of monkey kisses if you do! And animals used in circuses live their whole working lives (and often their whole lives) in crates. Please consider that before going to one.

Thank you guys so much for reading and following my blog, and soon hopefully my books. You have no idea how much of a blessing you are to me!

Lisa