snake pit

Many years ago, when my father was the boss of the reptile house, I used to run free at the Bronx Zoo, with tickets to all the rides and free meals. The zoo seemed much smaller when I went there with the grandbaby—like a college campus after graduation. Maybe it was the adult knowledge that it is bounded by the city. And, of course, most of the exhibits have changed. No bars, just glass. An emphasis on ecosystems. I don't know about the reptile house, though: It was closed. Looks the same from the outside.