It was cold today, gray and damp. Not many animals left their warm dens to stare at the people. Here are eight pictures of those who ventured outside.

Said Chinta, 'Hey you, standing there!
Can you see all this straw in my hair?
I look like a mess,
And I have a request.
Could you lend me your comb? Will you share?

'For here I am always On Show.
If I feel like a slob, well, you know -
I'm cross and I'm grumpy.
I feel old and frumpy.
So please, Ang, restore status quo.

'It's really not much of a trick.
You can see that my hair is not thick.
Just a few swipes and wheeee,
I'll be cute as can be.
Just toss me your comb. I'll be quick.'

'I say!' said old Nina. 'I'm cold.
And though you may think I'm quite bold,
I saw on TV
Something perfect for me.
I would love one before I get old.

'It's a Snuggie.' she said with a grin.
'I can cover myself to my chin
With fleece, soft and cozy.
I bet I'll feel dozy,
And toasty warm, day out, day in.

I think that I'd like one, and you,
If you happen to see one, sky blue,
Please get it for me?
I'd be pleased as can be,
And maybe I'd lend it out too.'

What's up, Uzuuma?' I said.
'Not me! she sniffed, lowering her head.
She was being ignored,
And she seemed rather bored.
'I should have just stayed in my bed!

'I hate the cold weather today.
Not one of my pals wants to play.
Look up in the tree.
You'll see only me.
The rest, they are sissies, I say.'

I nodded ''You're right, girl. No fun.
You're little. Your life's just begun.
Make the most of each day
By yourself. Run and play.
When you're old you can doze in the sun.'

'I really don't understand how
No-one knows that I'm called a Serow.
And the type? Japanese.
Write it down if you please,
And remember it, starting right now.

'With my horns and my big fluffy coat,
I've been called both a bull, and a goat.
The dumbest of course
Was when I heard "horse"
As they pointed at me. So take note.

'Pinned up on my fence there's a sign.
And on it - a name. Yes it's mine.
So Zoo friends, I plead.
If you take time to read
And I hear 'Serow' - I'll feel fine!'

'I'm losing my former perfection!
I'm getting a wrinkled complexion.
My skin sags and is lined
And so dry, I find.
Now I'm seeking some sort of protection.

'So Ang, as a woman of age,
Since I see we are at the same stage,
Would you be my advisor
So I can look nicer?
I welcome advice from a Sage.

'L'Oreal? Roc? Bioré?
Garnier? Oil of Olay?
I must say "Burts Bees'
Makes me weak in the knees.
But I'll give it a try if you say.'

'Hey Ang, whatcha doin' today?
Wanna climb up my rockpile and play?
We'll play Hide and Seek.
You can hide on the peak.
And I won't butt you out of the way.

Or maybe we'll play Shadow Tag.
Oops, no sunshine, no shadow. My bad.
With a baseball, why natch,
We could always play Catch.
But these hooves are no good for a snag.

'I guess games aren't really my thing.
I usually lie here and sing.
Softly, of course,
Cuz I'm not a hoarse, *grin*
And my horns are really just bling.'

'I'm playing "I Spy" with just me.
I tell me of something I see.
Then I try to guess what.
Sometimes right. Sometimes not.
And it's nice hanging out in this tree.

'Would you like to have a quick try?
I spy here with my little eye,
Something big and quite scary
But not very hairy.
Go on. Take a guess. Don't be shy.'

'I can think of two here in my sight.
The elephant and hippo. I'm right?'
'Haha, nowhere near.
So you lose, I fear.
It's YOU. You are not very bright.'

This Ostrich's a bird on a mission.
But I wonder about his cognition.
I don't mean to be rude,
But gravel's not food.
Perhaps he should see an Optician.

Like a Robo-bird, he's in the Zone.
He is pecking away all alone.
Just over the hill
Is his mate, standing still.
But all that he sees is the stone.

With masterful, true concentration,
He does not succumb to temptation.
Is this good or bad?
Is his mate a bit sad?.
I dunno, but it's true dedication.