I found what I wanted - the Raptor's exhibit. It gave a shortened list of the birds there, but it didnt say Harpy Eagle. I walked towards the exhibit with anticipation.
I got there and looked at the list...
- Bald Eagle
- Peregrine Falcon
- Golden Eagle
- Red-Tailed Hawk
- Turkey Vulture
- Great Horned Owl
- Philippine Eagle
I sighed. I was really hoping for a Harpy Eagle. I'd probably go with the Philippine Eagle. Those were cool...but wait, the Turkey Vulture had the best sense of smell. Wouldn't we need animals with good senses? I groaned in frustration. I'll go with the Philippine Eagle.
I went into the bird house and put on a pair of handler's gloves. I walked up to a cage....and opened the door. I stuck out my hand. And the bird stepped on without a moment's thought.
Now...that was convenient. I just need to muster up the courage to touch it's back...oh man, I hope it desn't bite me...I stared at the beak. It was sharp. It looked painful. But I reached my hand out, and concentrated.
The animal closed it's eyes and it's head drooped slightly. I smiled and pulled my hand away once Id finished. I placed it back in the cage, and exited...except someone was right outside.
"What were you doing in there?", the Trainer said.
Just my luck..."I...went in there earlier and I had to go back for my iPod.", I said.
"Why were you in there the first time!?"
My eye's went wide...I used that to my advantage and slowly pointed back at the bird-house, "Isn't that an exhibit?"
"No!", she said, "This is the trainer's room. There's a patio on the other side that we bring the birds out to and have a show."
I thought, "...do people get to touch the animals at the show?"
She raised an eyebrow, "Some of them. The rodents, sometimes monkeys and birds-of-prey.
I smiled, "Well you'll see me at the show then! Sorry for the misunderstanding. It wont happen again! Bye!", and I ran off to check the next show-time.