The past week, Washingtonians said the final goodbye to not one, but two beloved National Zoo residents: Rusty the red panda and, whatever that lion’s name was, I forget. (Looking it up will only cause me more grief.) 

In the face of this heart-wrenching tragedy, I will be taking a minimum of six days’ bereavement leave to properly mourn each creature. I have never seen either face to face, as the last time I visited the zoo it seemed both Rusty and the Lions were napping in an out-of-view area of their respective closures, but that does not diminish the deep bond we have and as a result my inability to work for a while.

Despite not meeting them in person, I have formed close parasocial relationships through the National Zoo’s photographs and more recent festive Instagram reels highlighting natural behaviors of these magnificent animals, including their wacky antics encountering pumpkins. And that bond grew closer every year as these amazing species have been feted with delectable fruit and ice birthday cakes accurately mimicking how the creatures celebrate their own special days in the wild. 

I have skipped all my friends’ kids’ birthdays, as they were way out in Arlington somewhere. But I have joyously smashed the “Like” button on the birthday posts for all my close, dear Animalia friends in the Elephant Outpost, along the Asia Trail, and yes, even for the scaly, less-charismatic species of the Reptile Discovery Center. 

When I lose one of these fantastic beasts, I lose a part of myself. Therefore, I will NOT be checking emails or and will NOT take work-related phone calls until November 10th. Thank you for your understanding as I process my grief.