This weekend I went to the Zoo.

On one hand, I was so excited - I love the Zoo, it's exciting and fun to see creatures/animals that I don't see regularly. Overall, I am like a small child, as if I am seeing them for the first time in my life.

On the other hand, I am sad and horrified that these animals are held in captivity. I am heart-broken to see the Gorilla's turning around because they do not want to be a Human Spectacle. See... that's what the Zoo is... a spectacle for us. I hate that... and yet I am happy to be there.

I AM SO CONFLICTED. I recognize that quite a few of the animals have been rescued and rehabilitated, but my conflicted feelings still stand. Do I love the Zoo or do I want to go around and return them to their natural habitats?

With that in mind, my favorite animal is the Polar Bear. Not only are they fierce creatures, they are nurturing and loving. I identify with them on the deepest of levels and here is a slew of facts to their awesomeness:

1. Polar Bears can grow up to 10 feet long (and weigh roughly 1,700 pounds)

2. They are the largest bear in the world

3. Cubs stay with their mother for 2 years

Cubs rely solely on their mothers for the first couple of years for food as well as warmth and shelter.

4. They have wide front paws (including webbed toes), and when they're in the water, they use their back paws for steering.

5. Their stomachs can hold up to 150 pounds of food

They primarily eat seals (*Sorry- that's just how this works)

6. They can live anywhere from 20-25 years

7. Polar Bears are not actually white

Polar Bears strands of fur are clear hollow tubes that reflect the light (hence white), but in actuality, their skin is black.

8. People are the ONLY predator to the Polar Bear

Yes, you read that correctly. We are the only predator to a Polar Bear. We are a threat to their living and growth (I mean... global warming isn't helping either).

Maybe you don't LOVE Polar Bears as much as I do, but that is ok. Perhaps when you see them, you don't tear up with happiness and excitement - I know I do. They're beautiful, glorious, exceptional creatures. My heart bleeds for them and their wonder, not to mention they are so damn cute and perfect... I can't even express them in comprehensive words.

Pad on my precious, I will watch you from a distance in admiration and love.