An Unsolved Mystery

A couple of weeks ago, Patti Abbot asked me if I knew what little black bird could have been herding the flamingos at the Detroit Zoo. I had no idea, and still don’t (small black birds could be starlings or grackles, but why/how would they herd anybody?)—but I now have a mystery of my own to ask about.

A few days ago, Lucy the orangutan was hanging out on the tower leading up to the O-Line and chewing meditatively on something. I took some pictures, and I still don’t know what this something is.


I don’t think it’s food; it looks more like some sort of rubber toy, or one of those nubbly-soled sandals that are supposed to massage your feet—but I just don’t know.

Any ideas? Is it a toy? A rare, exotic tuber? A bath accessory? A secret weapon? You tell me.

{A note: I do write all text and take all pictures. Please do not reproduce either without my permission.}