The shriek of macaws, the rustle of leaf blades, the chittering of monkeys. Children flock around their mothers and fathers in crowds of neon colors and tanned skin. The tang of manure mingles with the scent of sunscreen. With utter confidence, Eire strides forward holding her tail in her hand.

We’re at the Santa Ana Zoo (Also known as The Monkey Zoo). Apparently Joseph Prentice, the founder of the zoo, required that there always be 50 monkeys present. And present they are, with the tangerine-orange ruff of the Golden Lion Tamarin and the black-capped spider monkey’s wizened face. Eire looks around her in wonder and walks away, her shoes scuffing the dirt and leaving tiny clouds hanging behind. She, like the monkeys, moves with utter sang-froid. What is the secret to their confidence?

Santa Ana, CA / morning / SAZOO