A few weeks ago I ran into a couple with their son as they were finishing up their visit to the zoo. They stopped and asked if I knew the name of the bison calf. I hated to admit it, but I couldn’t remember it. A quick radio call to the late shift keeper and voila. I told the family that her name was Dylan. Yes, Dylan was a girl. The young man was thrilled to find out and as we continued to visit his mom explained that he was trying to know all the names of the animals in the zoo. Quite the tall order, but she explained they visit the zoo every couple of weeks, so the next time I need to remember an animal’s name I might just want to give him a call.

Everyone has their own reasons for visiting the zoo. It is a place for wonder for both young and old alike. Zoos have always been a safe, family-friendly destination to get outside and engage with nature and learn about animals most will never see in the wild. This even includes our native species like the bison. Young Dylan was born in mid-April this year and while not necessarily as exciting to most, she was to this family and their son.

The cooler temperatures currently in the forecast will bode well for all the animals. A break from the heat has been a blessing for all of us. Guests will find the animals more active in their habitats, it’s just a lot more comfortable for everyone. These temperatures are expected to remain mild for the next two weeks and as we approach the Bacon & Brew event, it is shaping up to be a very comfortable evening to be outside.

Bacon & Brew takes place tomorrow, on Thursday evening. To get everything set for the event, the zoo will be closing at 4 p.m., and the event begins at 6 p.m.

Who will be the star of this year’s event is yet to be determined. Could it be a dish served by one of the restaurants or other food vendors? I can recall some amazing bacon creations over the past years that had everyone talking about them. Perhaps it is the band, Little Chicago Funk, that gets everyone talking. Maybe JaKiya, the new lion cub,or just the awe of the new African Plains building that gets people talking. Whatever it is, the event is a great opportunity to gather with friends for an evening of fun at the zoo.

From the family that visits every couple of weeks to the Bacon & Brew guests that may only visit once a year, the zoo is a special place in the community. But to one young man on one special day, it was all about a bison calf named Dylan.