Samantha Gardiner , Contemplation (ANIMALS 2021)

I was curious if my anxiety of visiting a zoo still existed after a 20 year hiatus, the short answer is yes. I found it distressing wandering between cages and enclosures so I took a time out near this beautiful orangutan; ever so slowly he reached out to me and gently took my hand in his warm and smooth one and began rhythmically stroking my hand and arm, my anxiety level dropped and a feeling of wonder and connection took its place. An experience like no other

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