Today I crossed out goal number 24 from my 100 goals list: see a raccoon in real life. It might sound simple, but in Europe it’s not that easy to spot a raccoon. Still, I really wanted to, because they are such cute and fascinating animals!

I finally had the chance in Germany, in a small zoo that actually works more like a shelter for rescued animals. Normally, I avoid zoos, but this one was different—it gives a home to animals who otherwise would have nowhere to go.

The raccoon I met had once belonged to an elderly German man. When he could no longer take care of it, he faced two options: put the animal to sleep or find someone else to take it in. Thankfully, the zoo agreed to provide the raccoon with a safe home. Because of that, I had the opportunity to meet this sweet creature up close.