Baby Maddox clutched his mother's hand tightly, his eyes wide with wonder at the towering gates before him. "Zoo, zoo!" he squealed, bouncing on his tiny feet with excitement.

Maddox toddled ahead, pointing at the colorful parrots swooping through the air. Mom laughed and said, "Look at those beautiful birds, Maddox! Can you see the red one?"

Maddox stared up at the elephants, his mouth forming a perfect 'O' of astonishment. "Big!" he exclaimed, pointing enthusiastically at the gentle giants.

Mom unpacked a small picnic for them, handing Maddox a sandwich cut into fun shapes. "Yummy!" Maddox giggled, his cheeks bulging with a mouthful of food.

"Let's see if we can spot the big python," Mom suggested, lifting Maddox so he could peer into the exhibits. "Snake!" Maddox whispered in awe, his eyes wide with fascination.

Maddox, now sleepy, rested his head on his mother's shoulder, clutching a small stuffed elephant in his hand. "Did you have fun today, Maddox?" Mom asked softly. "Zoo fun," he murmured before drifting off to sleep, a smile lingering on his lips.