But at Toledo’s zoo, to the south of the city, there are animals and birds which have been rescued from the wild and therefore probably wouldn’t have survived any other way, although that’s not the case with all of them.
However, zoos can be educational and do provide the opportunity to see animals up close, albeit behind fences and barriers. They also help preserve some species which are close to extinction. This zoo, built in 1900 and the first anywhere to have a hippoquarium, is actively involved in 30 species survival plans. There are 4,800 animals and 700 species.
Most of the animals we saw seemed fairly docile, though, perhaps because it was a hot day. I couldn’t help imagine what it must be like to be an exhibit and have thousands of people each day come to look at you.
While it may not be fun for all the animals, kids seem to enjoy it. There’s a train journey - $2 per ticket – aimed at children that goes around a small open area showing ostriches, giraffes, zebras and gazelles.
The zoo did have an impressive polar bear with cub, plus rhinos, elephants, white lions, tigers, snow leopards, cheetahs, wolves, hippos etc. There was also a vast selection of snakes and lizards. But Zenchai particularly enjoyed the children’s play area (where chipmunks run around freely) and the monkeys, especially the chimps, orang-utans and gorillas.
Gorillas are an endangered species. The great silverback came straight up to the glass window where Zenchai was standing and stared inquisitively at him.
The orang-utans were more amusing. One approached Zenchai with a mouth full of banana and spat it on to the window and then a younger one came over and, as if he was performing for the onlookers, licked it up! Yuck.
Admission: $11 for adults and $8 for children over two. Open daily from 10am.
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Posted by: Britt | 18 November 2013 at 02:42 PM