Zoological Society of London (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
If you ever visit London, don’t forget to spend a day at the London Zoo. The Zoological Society of London are doing a very good job helping preserve some endangered animals. These beautiful animals from all over the world are available for all visitors to see. It’s also a place to learn about animals and their natural habitats.
I have always have had a rather love/hate relationship with zoos. A part of me, and I think a few other people feel the same way, always felt its cruel removing wild animals from their natural habitats (Some of them very hot climes, tropical climes, etc) and supplant them in some zoo in Europe for the convenience of the paying public. Like putting all those beautiful fish in a gold bowl! However, the world aint that simple and things are not always straightforward. A lot of animals are at risk of becoming extinct, like the Dodo. Rhinos are especially susceptible. Several animal species are being killed unabated for ‘medicinal’, ‘sexual’, ‘fashion’ and other nefarious claims. Organisations like the Zoological Society of London are waging a war (unarmed war, I should add) against these barbaric people and organisations. And they will always require the support people provide. It would be splendid to go on a safari in Africa and watch the black and white rhinos minding their own business. Chilling out in their own joint or den! Messing about with the Leopard and Gazelles!Would it not be marvelous to visit North America and watch the Bald Eagle rule the skies, flying majestically across the plains! Or watch in wonder at the majestic wonder at the Peregrine Falcon‘s speed’ and also marvel at the beauty and athleticism of the Polar Bear. Or if North America is too cold, visit South America and watch the Macaw splendidly crisscrossing the forest hunting for ants; or even watch the Bespectacled Bear enjoying some semblance of freedom in Colombia. Why oh why even consider killing the rather cute Koala Bears-But people do. Isnt it sad that Free Willy or Kung Fu Panda are some of the best movies ever created by man, yet the same human species does not think twice murdering the Pandas and Whales. It is sad. Every continent, every country has its shameless eople who are are killing these animals. Some generations will never know about these animals. It is a tragedy.
Even one so revered like the Dalai Lama felt compelled to urge people to respect the wildlife around us:
“Our ancestors viewed the Earth as rich and bountiful, which it is. Many people in the past also saw nature as inexhaustibly sustainable, which we now know is the case only if we care for it. It is not difficult to forgive destruction in the past which resulted from ignorance. Today, however, we have access to more information, and it is essential that we re-examine ethically what we have inherited, what we are responsible for, and what we will pass on to coming generations. Our marvels of science and technology are matched if not outweighed by many current tragedies, including human starvation in some parts of the world, and the extinction of other life-forms. The exploration of space takes place at the same time as the Earth’s own oceans, seas, and fresh water areas grow increasingly polluted. Many of the Earth’s habitats, animals, plants, insects, and even micro-organisms that we know as rare may not be known at all by future generations. We have the capability, and the responsibility. We must act before it is too late.”
This is why organisations like the ZSL must be applauded for a good job they are doing. London Zoo is remarkable. It hosts some of the most beautiful, and most endangered animals from across the globe. The people looking after these animals are so welcoming. So sweet, you feel like wanting to be part of their team. Even for just a few hours.
There are so many animals to marvel at. There is so much to learn in this beautiful part of London. The staff are so helpful and quite informative. My favourite animals were the wild dogs (Africa), the Lions, Tigers, fish…well I could go on and on. The penguins though did catch my eye. They were exceptional, and the talk was superb. We were lucky to be present during the feeding time. Ricky, one of the penguins there has actually become some celebrity. He has his own Facebook page. Its worth checking Ricky’s story and it worth finding out about all the animals in this zoo.
London has loads of great places to see and have fun. But there is no place that beats London Zoo. Visit and support the Zoological Society of London and with that, you will help ensure that at least one species of wildlife will survive for our children and grandchildren to see. We had a grand time visiting the zoo. One of my mates had never been to a zoo, let alone see wild life! He left London Zoo wondering how and why it had taken him so long to appreciate the beauty of wildlife. Next time in London, remember London Zoo. Love Life, Love London.
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