The hundred of voices of the strangers around me morphed into one distinct sound and hummed through my ears. I squeezed my dad’s hand a little tighter and looked up at him. He returned my glance, smiled and pointed straight in front of us. I grinned ear to ear as the monkey exhibit came into view and began to shuffle my feet faster.

Dad and I made our way to the enclosure and I slapped my hands and nose against the glass, and scanned the inhabitants inside. I was expecting the furry creatures to mosy around with mischief, swing from tree to tree or to suck a banana right from the peel. But, no. Instead, dozens of empty black eyes stared back at me, faces straight and full of lament.