Monday 6th April and there was almost no peep. In one last outing before confinement with an energetic 3 year old, I took Theo to the zoo.
The Singapore Zoo is surrounded by jungle and the fantastic enclosures minimise or remove traditional zoo fencing in lieu of geographical barriers like moats. The jungle seemed alive with wild animals - a huge monitor lizard blocking the path, a couple of colugo awake during the day, plantain squirrels everywhere, wild macaques holding court in front of an exhibit, insects and birds buzzing to a throbbing level of noise.
Zoo animals normally dozing in the humid Singapore day, were awake and alert. The wild dogs were pacing in single file and appeared to be probing their perimeter for weaknesses. The lioness was standing and locking eyes for an uncomfortable amount of time. The red river hogs were skittish. The baboons were vocal and seemed alarmed. It felt as if they were waiting for something, waiting for tomorrow's lockdown and I don't know what.
Theo and I were two of about 8 visitors, the emptiness contributing to an eerie feeling.
I was reminded of a book from my childhood, "Taronga" and the post apocalyptic setting in Sydney's zoo where the semi-wild big cats owned the nights.
Later that day we were hit with a storm of unusual power and length. Singapore is no stranger to heavy tropical storms however this was a strong as I can remember in my 11 years. Incredible lighting and thunder, fat rain lasting all evening and into the morning. Was it washing the city clean or warning of the days to come?
The day before lockdown had the hairs on the back of my neck standing up and a feeling of great uncertainty as we retreated to hide & reflect on the weakness and arrogance of man.
