It Takes a Zoo to Raise the Child

by Jumpin’ Jack Rabbit (1973–2040)

It takes a Zoo to raise a child,\ To keep their heart both soft and wild.\ It takes a village, so they say,\ To hold the dark and point the way.

It takes a Zoo to make them room,\ To let each strange, bright spirit bloom.\ To guide them through the storm and flame,\ And teach them love can know their name.

A Zoo can raise its own ones too;\ Each grown-up soul was once born new.\ Within these walls, we learn to stand,\ And trust the pulse beneath our hands.

So lift your cups and close your eyes,\ A toast to every child who tries:\ That in this world, whatever they live through,\ They’ll always have a home within the Zoo.