Recently we received an invitation to a Members Only event at the Zoo - the pre-opening of the new Humboldt Penguin exhibit. Festivities were to start at 10. Tim had the day off, and I didn't have to go to work until noon so we arrived at 9:30 and strolled around to see a few animals first.

By ten to 10, there was a massive lineup but we figured there'd still be plenty of time. After standing in a motionless line for an hour, we learned what the invitation hadn't made clear:

Local dignitaries will speak about the sustainability features of the exhibit, the hard work performed by zoo staff and contractors and, of course, about the penguins themselves.

In a way I'm glad we were not in the first batch of spectators who had to stand in the hot sunshine inside the exhibit listening to an hour's worth of speeches. Reluctantly we decided to come back another day, and after a quick trip past a few more of my favorites, we bid the penguins adios.