Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Alma Park Zoo - A Wildlife Experience!




Alma Park Zoo is the ideal destination to visit for those seeking an enjoyable, value for money, family day out. The park is located just off the Bruce Highway, approximately half an hour north of the city centre of Brisbane. This position makes it an ideal one-day trip for families who are on the hunt for a new, yet exciting local experience.

Alma Park Zoo was established in 1969 as a native animal sanctuary. After the arrival of several exotic animals in 1973, it became a registered Australian zoo, making it one of Queensland's most popular tourist destinations. The park has experienced several different owners, each bringing with them fresh ideas and redevelopments, which have improved the quality of the park and most importantly, the conditions for the animals.

Set on 40 acres, with 12 of these situated under rainforest canopy, the park features species of native and international exotic animals, with some species even holding endangered status. The award winning palm gardens create a talking point and provide ample shade for the animals nuzzled amongst them.

A day at Alma Park Zoo is filled with fresh and unique experiences, with the prospect of being able to interact with many of the animals. The Zoo keepers give frequent presentations, which allows for a widening of knowledge of interesting facts. This is the perfect way to get up close to the animals and to touch and hand feed certain species of koalas, snakes, crocodiles and kangaroos.

The zoo is also home to baby alpacas, triplet marmosets and the latest addition, Lemur Island. This exhibit is a sanctuary solely dedicated to these elegant and entertaining animals. Visitors can visit the island and watch the lemur's sunbathe and socialise with each other.

All this excitement is sure to make you hungry so you can either visit the friendly Palm Cafe and enjoy being waited on, amongst the midst of the shady palms, or pack a picnic lunch for the whole family to enjoy. BBQ facilities are also provided if the traditional Aussie Barbie is preferred, while surrounded by the tranquil, tropical garden settings.

To work off that lunch, take the kids down to the Friendship Farm, which is home to cows, sheep, alpaca, baby chickens, guinea pigs and goats. Wander further around the park and discover the monkeys, camels, water buffaloes, wombats, echidnas and exotic birdlife. The adults are sure to find a favourite, with the kids marvelling at the unique features and habits of the native and exotic animals.

Alma Park Zoo offers an affordable day outing for families, school groups and tourists. Extremely reasonable and affordable prices make the park an ideal activity for any budget, and its location is idyllic for Brisbane and Sunshine Coast locals. The park offers incredibly unique experiences, with opportunities that are rare to find outside Australia. Alma Park Zoo truly is the ultimate wildlife experience!

Interesting Zoos in Indiana


Looking for a fun place to take your kids on your next Indiana Vacation?  Well one educational option you have available is a zoo.  Kids find zoos especially entertaining - there's something about cute animals that children just love.  Luckily for you, Indiana has four great zoos to visit!  These are: Indianapolis Zoo, Columbia Park Zoo of Lafayette, Potawatomi Zoo of South Bend, and the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo.

Indianapolis Zoo of Indianapolis, Indiana

The Indy Zoo is the largest and most successful zoo in Indiana.  A unique exhibit that you will not find at any other zoo in Indiana is the dolphin show.  They even have an in-water Dolphin Adventure, a special program where visitors can spend a 90-minute session swimming with real dolphins!

In addition to the dolpins, the Indianapolis Zoo has a variety of other animals on exhibit and some rides such as a "4-D Sponge Bob adventure" and a zoo train ride.

Columbia Park Zoo of Lafayette, Indiana

If you are visiting Purdue, I highly recommend visiting the nearby Columbia Park Zoo.  This zoo isn't quite as big as the others I'll mention, but they do have some wild cats and monkeys.  In addition they have a waterpark, a train, and some nice playground equipment for the kids.

Potawatomi Zoo of South Bend, Indiana

The Potawatomi Zoo is the oldest zoo in Indiana and one of the nicest.  They have a train (seems like every zoo does), and a variety of events throughout the year including Zoo Boo (trick or treating) and Zoo Brew (beer tasting).  The Potawatomi Zoo has a well-developed large cats exhibit which includes lions, white bengal tigers, and snow leopards. 

Fort Wayne Children's Zoo of Fort Wayne, Indiana

The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo caters mainly towards children, hence the name.  The Indiana Farm Exhibit gives kids a first hand look at a bunch of farm animals, and allows them to interact with them.  There's a twenty foot tall treehouse for children in the Indonesian Rainforest exhibit, and child size caves in the new African exhibit.

Berlin's Many Zoos And Aquariums




Berlin Zoo is a very attractive park, lying to the east of Berlin. Here, great attention has been paid to the various habitats so that they complement the surroundings and enrich the lives of the animals who live in them. To the west of Berlin lies the city centre zoo, Germany's longest operating zoo, in which a very large number of animals of various species live. These two zoos are the result of years of division in Germany, when it was split along east/west lines. When the country was unified, the zoos lived on. Between the two of them, an amazing number of species can be seen which you would be hard pressed to see anywhere else, making this city a must-visit for lovers of animals.

The Zoo Aquarium is more than just an attraction to entertain all the family - it is also playing its part in conservation, with a wealth of animal life spanning more than 9000 individuals from nearly 800 species, spread across a mix of vivariums and aquariums. The wonder starts immediately when you walk in the door - in the lobby is the ornamental koi carp, who love being given food and gently stroked. On the same floor live a stunning variety of fish (including jellyfish, cow nose rays and black tip reef sharks) and corals. On the 1st floor are the reptiles, where the crocodile hall (the world's first public vivarium) has been entertaining the public for nearly a century now. A variety of lizards, turtles and boas, to name just a few, also live here. On the upper floor are the insects and amphibians, including the amazing leaf-cutter ants display. Here you can see the ants carrying the leaves through long transparent tubes between the terrariums.

The Tierpark Berlin, Europe's biggest zoo spanning several hundred acres, is renowned for its success in breeding elephants - welcoming 15 babies since 1999. Approximately 7800 creatures, representing almost 900 species, live here. They include unique species such as sun bears, Indian giant flying foxes, lemurs and red and black varis, which live in habitats such as the Hummingbird-Crocodile House, Afrikanum, Tropical Hall, Snake Farm and Vari Forest. The zoo has been showing animals to the public since the mid 50s, when it was located at Friedrichsfelde Palace, dating from the late 17th century. Since 2009 the palace has again been subsumed into the grounds of the zoo and is a venue for regular events, such as concerts.

From the moment you walk through the Elephant Gate entrance of the Zoological Garden, which consists of two elephants holding up two massive columns, under a ceiling which features carvings and paintings, you know you are somewhere special. It was the country's first zoo, opened in the late 19th century and today is home to about 16000 animals from 1500 species. There are hippo, predator and nocturnal houses, and Europe's biggest aviary. The aquarium features a huge variety of sea life, such as piranhas, coral fish, and sharks.

At Sea Life aquarium, thousands of sea creatures such as jellyfish and sharks can be seen in a carefully recreated habitat. Some of them even enjoy being stroked! The building is designed and constructed so that one feels they are going on an underwater trip, following the Spree River to the Atlantic Ocean, before spanning out to the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Over 5,000 animals live here. The AquaDom is the world's biggest freestanding aquarium, served by a glass elevator which lets you see shoals of exotic fish swimming in 1,000,000 litres of saltwater.

Chiang Mai Zoo and Aquarium - Why Visiting Chiang Mai Is Worth It




While visiting Chiang Mai, there are many spots you could consider including in your sightseeing, and the Chiang Mai Zoo and Aquarium should definitely be on the menu. Why? Pandas (including a cub), polar bears, giant manta rays and more, of course!

The Chiang Mai Zoo achieved international acclaim in 2009 thanks to the birth of a baby panda, Lin Ping, a rare event with pandas in captivity: pandas have long been considered an endangered species-the Ailuropoda melanoleuca, or the giant panda, was classified as such as early as 1984 by International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN); today their status is "conservation reliant." Among other factors that contribute to this, including but not limited to poaching and destroying of their habitats, their birthrate is extremely low even in the wild and more so in captivity. It is no surprise then that, up until 2009, only four countries have successfully bred panda cubs that survive past infancy-Canada, the United States, Japan and China. Thailand's own Chiang Mai Zoo joined that lofty rank after an artificial insemination of Lin Hui, the female half of the panda couple loaned to Thailand by China, successfully impregnated her. The birth of the baby, which came to be named Lin Ping, was carefully overseen by veterinarians and zoologists. An event that overtook media coverage for months to come, it quickly became one of the busiest attractions offered in the zoo: for a long time there was even a channel that let viewers at home watch the cub play, nap, and eat round the clock. China has been so impressed with this success that they have extended the loan of the pandas for five additional years. The Chiang Mai Zoo is also preparing for the care and exhibition of polar bears, which will commence in early 2012.

Apart from the pandas and the upcoming polar bears, this attraction also offers a flock of penguins, a snow dome, and a large variety of exotic wildlife where you will have to do considerably less queuing up the way you would have to do with the pandas. Short elephant rides are available, and you can get up close and personal with giraffes, among others; vibrantly colored peacocks roam freely throughout the complex for your viewing pleasure-and that is just the tip of the iceberg: the zoo's sheer size isn't for nothing after all, and you can spend the whole day walking up and down until you are footsore without having seen everything. What is very much worth a stop is the Aquarium. Opened in 2008 it still has that shiny newness to much of it, and boasts of being the largest aquarium in all of Southeast Asia: situated in a land measuring 4 acres, the aquarium building takes up a whopping 13,925 square meters of space. The tunnel is 133 meters in total, and is one of the longest aquarium tunnels in the world.

Once inside, you will be immersed in an air-conditioned, psychedelic dome filled with tanks of freshwater fish, saltwater fish, snakes, several species of lizards, and some of the most amazing, most interesting aquatic life on our planet (fish with feet!). More than 250 species are on show in this living museum and more are added by the year. Recently they have added a pool where you can not only see but pet giant squids. Once you are past this section, you can go through the tunnel where you will be treated to sights of colorful corals and fish that swim past you and overhdad: a truly awe-inspiring experience without the fuss and discomfort of going diving. If that's not enough yet, the aquarium also offers scuba diving and, outside the building, water balls: huge thermoplastic domes you enter which are then floated in the lake that makes up the habitat for the aquarium's exhibits. They are perfect for adults and children alike, and will make your experience truly unique and unforgettable.

Admission to the aquarium incurs an additional price on top of the zoo ticket, as does getting in to see the pandas; they are in the range of no more than $25 altogether.

Chiang Mai Zoo - Fauna by Day and Night




Situated in the heart of the evergreens of Thailand, the zoological gardens give people the opportunity to visit animals in their natural locale. The hilly terrain that surrounds the zoo is the perfect milieu for the thousands of resident animals, mammals, birds and reptiles. It is particularly popular among school children due to the novel experiences on offer.

The welcoming chirps and songs of hundreds of birds draw people to the 'Nakorn Ping' Bird Garden, where a myriad of colourful birds gaily flutter their wings. The tour continues to the Freshwater Aquarium where Ture Eels, Siamese Carps and Striped Catfish float about freely. Wildlife from around the world is on display at this zoo, including Indian Rhinoceroses, African Cape Fur Seals, Malayan Tapirs, Koalas and a two very special Pandas from China. The pandas are adored by all the visitors who feed and play with them. Elephant families, giraffes, hippopotamuses, zebras, deer, a gibbon and ostriches constitute the large and diverse animal population of the zoological gardens.

The authorities of the zoo permit camping overnight, which is an adventurous experience. Children love the excitement of sleeping amidst nature, under a starry sky by the side of a cascading waterfall, keeping an eye out for animal activity. Camping gear is provided at a nominal fee for enthusiasts to experience thrills of a night in a jungle. The 'Twilight Zoo', is another rare and exhilarating feature of this facility. Visitors can observe the behavior and attributes of nocturnal animal species from the safety of a tram car, at nightfall.

Enjoy the atmosphere of a real jungle at the Chiang Mai Zoo and experience the oriental ambience of Thailand at Shangri -La Hotel Chiang Mai, which is a favored hotel in Chiang Mai. The comfort of a Chiang Mai hotel would definitely make the trip all the more gratifying.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

Jerusalem Biblical Zoo


Many people say that when visiting The Land of Israel it is almost as if the bible comes to life, for wherever you set your foot you are stepping on ground with biblical associations. However, there is a place where your imagination can be put aside and your eyes can take a close look on biblical animal species that can only be found in The Jerusalem Biblical Zoo. Some of these animals have become extinct in the present-day Israel. Factors behind their extinction, mainly in the twentieth century, are hunting and destruction of their natural habitat as the result of rapid construction and development. Animals such as bears, lions, Persian fallow deer, Arabian Oryx, the cheetah and the Nile crocodile are no longer seen in the region.

A few animals at the Biblical Zoo were confiscated from smugglers, but the vast majority was born in captivity. As a matter of policy, none of the animals are collected directly from the wild, which the zoo believes is cruel, aside from being illegal in Israel. The zoo is coordinating a number of projects that involve preserving rare species originated in the Land of Israel and returning them to the wild. The ultimate goal is to restore species that are endangered or locally extinct. Research projects are under way to collect empirical data and anecdotal information on various animals, particularly those threatened with extinction. Again, the chief goal is to provide scientific backing for preservation and breeding programs. Most of the animals in the zoo reside in large enclosures designed to resemble their natural habitats. Efforts are being made to provide the animals with a maximal amount of living space and a stimulating environment.

The Biblical Zoo was originally established in 1940 as a tiny little children's zoo on Harav Kook Street in central Jerusalem. The zoo was founded and established by the late Prof. Aharon Shulov, one of the pioneers in the field of zoology at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Since its opening, the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo has been operated by a company that was specifically established for this purpose. The zoo is therefore being run as a corporation, while at the same time being recognized as an NPO (Non-Profit Organization) both in Israel and abroad. The zoo is the product of the combined efforts and investments of the Municipality of Jerusalem, the Jerusalem Foundation, the Jerusalem Development Authority, and the Israel Ministry of Tourism.  In 1993, after changing many locations within Jerusalem and being closed for 2 years, the newly designed zoo officially reopened its doors to the public in its current location near the southwestern Jerusalem neighbourhood of Manahat (formerly Malkha). It stretches across an area of 250 dunams (25 hectares) in a lovely valley surrounded by green hills and new neighbourhoods. The establishment of the zoo in its present form was made possible thanks to the generosity of Tisch family of New York, under the auspices of the Jerusalem Foundation.

It is not surprising that The Jerusalem Biblical Zoo is ranked for the third time this year for the most popular tourist site in Israel. Dun's 100, the leading business information company in Israel and abroad, listed the most popular tourist sites in Israel and with 693,115 visitors in the year 2007 the Biblical Zoo is still today one of the most interesting and enjoyable sites in Israel.

A Day Out At Chester Zoo




Chester Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the United Kingdom. Very close to the historic city of Chester, the zoo is set in over 100 acres, which provide a home to an amazing 7,000 animals and an incredible 400 different species - many of which are endangered. This provides a fine setting for a fun packed and educational day out for all the family. Visitor figures are now approaching one and a half million per year.

The zoo opens at 10am every day with the exception of Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Closing times vary according to the seasons and school holidays. Last entry and closing times vary with the seasons too. A number of discount vouchers and other offers are usually available, so do your research, pick the best time for you to visit, and book your tickets online.

To help get the most out of your day at Chester Zoo you may wish to take advantage of their Animal Talk Times. Specialist presenters give at least seven informative talks about the animals each day. Check the itinerary beforehand.

To ensure the animals get the best possible care, the in-house animal health centre provides a full range of veterinary care and facilities. All animal enclosures and nutrition are under constant review. The zoo's gardens are award winning and provide a fabulous background to the animals. Featuring plants from all around the world, the gardens help to provide the natural environment of many of the more exotic species.

The zoo gives its mission statement as "to be a major force in conserving biodiversity worldwide." They achieve that by contributing to the protection of species and habitats through a combination of field conservation, research, conservation breeding, advances in animal welfare and education.

Additionally Chester Zoo is a member of various national, European and international zoo bodies, which include the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA), the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).

Given that the zoo is set in 100 plus acres, getting around seeing all, can be a strain on the legs. If you cannot walk far there are other options provided. This includes the Zoo Monorail for the high ride or if you prefer, why not try the more genteel Waterbus?

After exploring you will have worked up an appetite. This can be satisfied by anything from a quick snack and a coffee, enjoy a meal at any of the zoo's numerous eating places. Ever mindful of conservation issues the zoo sources food locally, and seeks to steer clear of ingredients which may affect their conservation efforts.

Chester Zoo is a wonderful day out. However, the area offers much more to see and do, and a 2-3 day stay will afford lots of fun and interest. The city of Chester itself is on the doorstep offering a rich historical heritage. Liverpool is just a short train and river trip, for those wanting to explore the Beatles connection. For those wishing a more scenic option the breathtaking North Wales coastline by train to Conway is half an hour away.

If you are planning a visit to the zoo why not consider turning it in to a mini-break, perhaps over a weekend, and mid-week. Visit other sights and attractions in the area. A full range of hotel, bed and breakfast and self-catering accommodation is available.

The Good Zoo and Euthanasia


Always a hot issue in zoos but euthanasia must be recognised as an absolutely essential part of the long term and proper management of species in captivity. There is nothing wrong in killing an animal if it is done quickly and with forethought and kindness. When animals are euthanized for the correct reasons then it is morally right and justified. The uninformed will often level accusations of being 'heartless' and 'not caring' when precisely the opposite is true. Good zoos with managed populations can see the bigger picture.
In the wild, animals die in tragic, painful and stressful situations every day. It is a very much a kill or be killed world and if you don't face those two options you could face starvation or disease.
Within the good modern zoo nature's cruel balance has been stalled. Animals survive. They live longer. Equal numbers of males and females live. Man has to manage, to properly govern. Indeed today man is having to manage the wild as well. Culling of elephants, of deer and others has become a necessity to ensure that the larger populations do not starve.
Euthanasia in zoos is only part of species management and goes hand in hand with contraception, breeding separation and bachelor groups.
People seem more ready to accept the culling of huge numbers of cattle and sheep to prevent disease outbreak. Thousands of unwanted dogs and cats are killed worldwide and scarcely a murmur is raised. In zoos however it is different. Here species are readily broken down into specimens. No longer are animals faceless nameless numbers but creatures people can and do relate to. The zoos often create the situation themselves with publicity photos and 'name the baby' competitions and there is nothing wrong in that. Part of a zoos role is to raise species awareness and this is best done through specimens. The specimens are however part of the species and it is the species which is being managed and not individuals.
The modern zoo is about the long term management of genetically viable healthy populations of various species. It is important to recognise that this is long term. Nobody realistically believes that animals are about to be returned to the wild any time soon. Admittedly it does occur in certain limited instances but for the most part the problems facing animals in the wild do not appear to be going away anytime soon. With proper captive species management it may be as far as a hundred years from now that animals can be returned.
Distant though the prospect is the species need to be ready. They need to be healthy and they need to be not too closely related. Animals can be taught to hunt, to recognise danger and more. To be 're-wilded' if you like. It is being done now in limited numbers today.
One vital aspect of captive species management is breeding. It is important with the limited number of captive species held that unrelated animals are paired up. Within the modern zoo cooperative this is done by the Species Coordinator using sophisticated computer programmes supplied by ISIS the International Species Information System. This is no go it alone project but good zoos banded together for the good of the species as a whole. The specimens are important but only as part of the overall species plan. The ISIS database holds the records of around two and a half million animals. Specimens may be cared for and greatly loved but their real value is as genetic contributors.
The proper management of species in captivity requires that zoos that care, good zoos, sign up to the species management plan. This can be for any species and there are many such management plans already. The plan is put together by Taxon Advisory Groups or TAG's which meet together periodically to discuss progress, well being, husbandry and the overall status of the species in the wild and captivity. The TAG's will approve and appoint a studbook holder and coordinator to keep a very close watch on 'their' species. Some studbooks may well be EEP's, or European Breeding Programmes and so involve an even greater number of zoos. They will produce an annual report and will advise on future breeding, moves, contraception and animals surplus to the overall plan.
The TAGS in their turn are watched over by recognised established and sensible zoo authorities. Within the UK this would be BIAZA the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums. BIAZA is a member of EAZA, the European Association of ZOOS and Aquariums. EAZA works very closely with other genuine zoo authorities around the world such as AZA, the American Zoo and Aquarium Association. It may all sound a little bit complicated but it needs to be if species are to be saved for future generations. Zoos which fall outside the umbrella of these reputable and concerned authorities have little or no understanding of species management and care little about the future. They are more concerned with lining their pockets today.
The importance of a specimen's contribution to the species management plan needs to be constantly assessed. It is important to know if the animal is capable of breeding and of rearing young. It is important to know this even if the young are not needed or found to be surplus to requirements later. There are several benefits to allowing animals to breed. First and foremost is to the animals themselves so they can experience the natural enrichment of rearing young. The species coordinator can assess breeding potential and if the young are needed then all well and good. The zoo benefits from having baby animals on show which the public love. It can be a win win situation.
When such breeding is allowed then parent rearing is absolutely essential otherwise the object of the exercise is defeated and there is no benefit to any of the animals. In the management of species the decision on what happens to the young must rest with the Species Coordinator and not with the zoo the animals are in or to the decision of someone who cannot grasp the overall scheme of things.
If the young are surplus to the overall population either in terms of numbers or over represented genes then they should be euthanized. Preferably this would be done at that time when the young would naturally disperse in the wild.
It may well be that contraception may be used over the next few breedings but the animal may well be allowed to breed again, perhaps with a different mate. Long term contraception can be positively harmful and may actually cause an animal to become sterile. Ensuring the animal is capable of breeding is important.
There are only a certain number of captive spaces available to species. Not every zoo is in a position to hold or wants to keep Tigers or Elephants or Condors. Space is at a premium.
Animals in good zoos are cared for they are loved even. Zoo staff are kind and considerate and genuinely concerned for their charges. Zoo staff can see the bigger picture, above and beyond the blinkered vision of some of their ill informed critics.
Euthanasia is only one part of Species Management. Passing or selling surplus animals outside of the species management programme is both dangerous and defeatist. Animals outside of a breeding programme contribute nothing to conservation or the overall welfare and well being of the species. In fact the opposite usually applies. On more than one occasion new blood/new genes tigers have been imported from outside of a breeding programme only to discover later that they were sub-specific hybrids. In fact the vast majority of tigers outside the managed 'good' zoo populations are 'generic' tigers of uncertain parentage or origin. Worse still is that closely related or sub specific hybrids are bred together. This is especially so with White Tigers which some less reputable zoos like to breed and promote in the name of conservation.
Sending unwanted surplus animals away to the so called 'rescue centres' or 'sanctuaries' is quite simply, wrong. The 'out of sight, out of mind' attitude does nothing at all for species conservation. It is a cowardly way out. The 'Rescue Centres' and 'Sanctuaries' are undoubtedly saving lives but they are NOT saving species. The opposite is more true. They may even breed animals and so compound the problem. They are not breeding for conservation however.
They breed to line their pockets by having cubs on show to present to a gullible public. It could be argued that far from saving lives that these places are responsible for the absolutely pointless and purposeless deaths of thousands of other animals. A surplus tiger could easily be expected to live for around fifteen years. That tiger will happily consume 7 Kg of beef for 6 days a week for 52 weeks of the year. That is 2,184 Kg of beef a year. Within the so called 'Sanctuaries' and 'Rescue Centres' there are hundreds of surplus generic tigers eating the same amount. That is an awful lot of cows being killed especially to feed animals which are essentially valueless to conservation and useless for long term species conservation. Is the life of one surplus tiger worth more than that of a hundred or so cows?
No zoo likes culling or euthanasia but good zoos face up to the fact. If we are to maintain the species for our great grandchildren, for the world, for posterity then harsh but sensible and logical decisions must be made.
Holding surplus long term rather than deal with euthanasia not only takes up spaces that could be utilised for other species programmes but it wastes employees time and utilises money that could be spent on further conservation projects.
Outside of Species Management zoos sometimes need to cull the sick, the weak and the elderly. No-one likes to do it. No-one like to choose but the choices have to be made. Quality of life has to be considered along resources and money available. Deciding to euthanize is not abstention from caring. It IS caring!

The Best Venues in London for Kids




When it comes to venues for kids, London is teeming with choices. The first and most obvious choice is London Zoo. Home to more than 600 species, many of which are endangered, your entry fee for you and the family goes a long way to contributing towards the zoos conservation projects around the world. With everything you would expect from a top zoo, it really is a first choice for many families when they visit London. If you are around on the 13th December the zoo is also holding two special carol concerts throughout the day which are sure to get you all in the festive spirit.

Right next to the London Eye and a close walk from Tate Modern lays London Aquarium which amongst all its many varieties of fish and other sea life from around the world now includes an impressive walk over where you get to see below your very own feet sharks in all their glory. Other new features include Californian cownose rays which will swim in formation and give a spectacular display as well as a new 25 metre long whale skeleton tunnel with panoramic views of tropical sea life and fish.

The Puppet Theatre Barge is something a little different to treat the kids to. This intimate 55 seat theatre is moored in Little Venice and the company that runs the shows, Movingstage, are critically acclaimed for their productions. The barge is open from October through to July and hosts specific children's shows that are aptly timed during school holidays and weekends.

For some healthy outdoor activities on a nice day there is the Diana, Princess of Wales memorial playground. Created in 2000, this playground has a hugely popular wooden pirate ship where kids will vie for the steering of the wheel. There are also pulleys, ropes and cabins which will keep them amused for hours. Acting out scenes from Pirates of the Caribbean is an all time favourite for many. There are also tepees, a café and the provision for loos and nappy changing facilities which allow the family to stay for hours.

This is just a snapshot of some London venues that cater for children, there are many more weird and wonderful things ready to entertain the kids on your next London trip and it is wise to take a look online to find out what's on when your trip is planned so you don't miss out on anything special.

5 Famous Animals At London Zoo


1. Jumbo the Elephant

The original Jumbo was an African bull elephant who arrived at the Zoo in 1865. He rapidly became enormously popular and, for nearly twenty years, gave thousands of rides to delighted children. He was seen as a national institution and there was outrage when the Zoo proposed to sell Jumbo to the American showman Phineas T Barnum. The wily Barnum, scenting publicity, encouraged the controversy and Jumbomania swept Britain. Letters were written to The Times and other newspapers. Lawsuits were threatened. Even the Queen appealed to the Zoo not to go ahead with the sale. Jumbo made his own contribution to the unfolding saga by refusing to enter the box in which he was supposed to make his transatlantic passage. Barnum, however, was adamant that the sale should go ahead. Jumbo, who was to be accompanied by his favourite keeper, was eventually tempted into his travelling cage and was shipped to the United States to become as big a star in New York as he had been in London. Tragedy, however, was waiting in the wings. Three years after making the journey across the Atlantic, Jumbo was killed in a train accident when travelling with the Barnum show. Barnum, never one to lose an opportunity for profit, had Jumbo stuffed and continued to display him around the country for several more years.

2. Guy the Gorilla

Guy the Gorilla, so called because he arrived in the Zoo on Guy Fawkes Day 1947, remained one of the most popular attractions for more than thirty years. He grew from a tiny baby to a giant adult male in captivity but his fearsome appearance disguised a sweet temperament. When he died of a heart attack in 1978, following an operation to remove a tooth, he was mourned by many who had seen him over the years. The Zoo commissioned the sculptor William Timym to create a more-than-lifesize statue of Guy which still stands near the main entrance.

3. Goldie the Golden Eagle

The Zoo's great escape occurred in 1965 when a golden eagle known as Goldie exited his cage as keepers were cleaning it and headed for the trees in Regent's Park. For nearly twelve days he eluded all would-be captors and became a national celebrity. He appeared on the front pages of all the newspapers and traffic jams were caused by the thousands of cars carrying people to the Park to watch him enjoying his freedom. He was even mentioned in a debate in House of Commons, where his name was greeted with cheers and shouts of approval. Goldie was eventually recaptured when he was lured by the prospect of his favourite food. Deputy Head Keeper Joe McCorry tied a dead rabbit to a rope near one of the eagle's regular haunts and, when Goldie swooped down to tuck in, McCorry seized him.

4. Obaysch the Hippopotamus

The first live hippopotamus to be seen in Europe since the time of the Roman Empire, Obaysch arrived at the Zoo as a one-year-old in 1850. He had been brought there by Sir Charles Murray, British Consul-General in Egypt and soon became the Zoo's greatest attraction. Visitors to the Zoo more than doubled in the first year after Obaysch's arrival. Victorian London went hippo mad. Cartoons appeared in Punch, silver models of Obaysch were sold in the shops and a 'Hippopotamus Polka' was one of the music hits of the season. Murray would occasionally visit his protege in the Zoo, calling to him in Arabic, and Obaysch would lumber towards the sound of his former master's voice, grunting in recognition.

5. Belinda the Mexican Red-kneed Bird-eating Spider

Belinda, who died at the age of twenty-two in 1993, was one of the more surprising stars of London Zoo, appearing on TV programmes from Blue Peter to the national news and taking a lead role in one of the Zoo's advertising campaigns. She was also used by hypnotherapists to help people overcome their arachnophobia.

Wild Life Of Lapland


The flora and fauna of Lapland is truly diverse and it has a remarkably wonderful wild life. One can truly witness nature’s bounty in Lapland. Did you know that of the 30 or more national parks in Finland, seven are in Lapland itself? 

Amongst the National parks, Lemmenjoki National Park, Urho Kekkonen National Park and Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park are the largest in Finland. These national parks provide the ideal spot for hikers as it offers large areas of wilderness and the national parks like Lemmenjoki also promise gold-digging for the excitement seekers. The Ranua Wildlife Park in Lapland is home to a wide variety of wild animals and is open throughout the year for visitors.

The vast expanse is dotted with pine trees and birches and Lapland’s most beautiful flower, the mountain avens. The forests pulsate with a rich birdlife and exotic berries are found in plenty here. Berry picking could be a fun activity for the entire family.

Canoeing, fishing, hiking are some of the activities that you can indulge in while you are on your holiday here. Hiking through the wilderness following bear trails is a memory that you will cherish for a long time to come. If you are lucky enough you may spot one of the grizzlies too. And walking through the spectacular scenery will definitely rejuvenate you. You have the option of staying in huts in the wild or you could carry your own tent. 

Another unique activity in Lapland during the winter season is to go on a sleigh ride led by dogs or reindeer. It is a wonderful experience to go dashing through the snow on a sled led by the huskies. Or you could opt for a snowmobile to set your pulses racing. The reindeer parks educate you on these creatures and give you various tips on how to domesticate them too. You could also try a hand at feeding the reindeers. 

Experience Singapore's Animal Kingdom


Singapore is famous for an array of splendours - from its varied architecture to its world-class culture - making it one of the top tourist destinations in the world. In fact, more than 10 million tourists visited Singapore last year, with many recognising it as a destination where every type of experience can be had.

However, once considered somewhat of a niche holiday locale, Singapore has been gaining popularity as a family holiday destination. Offering countless sights and activities ideal for children and adults alike, there's something to keep everyone in the family busy.

One of the top activities for families to partake in during their Singapore holiday is to visit Singapore's animal kingdom. The city-state is full of animal parks, zoos, and aquariums, housing fascinating animals from all over the world. If you and your family want to see animals of all kinds, head to the Singapore Zoo. With more than 3200 mammals, birds, reptiles and fish, this 28-hectare "open" zoo is sure to delight visitors of all ages.

The Singapore Zoo is also home to Rainforest Kidzworld - offering educational and fun interactive activities - as well as the beautiful Upper Seletar Reservoir - where visitors can take a boat ride to get up close and personal with some of the zoo's water dwellers.

However, if you really want to witness underwater creatures, head to Singapore's Underwater World. Situated on Sentosa, Underwater World Singapore invites visitors to swim with dolphins, visit a unique "fish reflexology" centre, and to walk through an 83 metre-long tunnel that houses beautiful rays, awesome sharks as well as many other types of fish.

Singapore is also home to the Jurong Bird Park and the Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom. With 9000 colourful birds of 600 species, bird-lovers will be amazed at all the feathered residents of the BirdPark. What's more, visitors to the Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom can find themselves amid thousands of fluttering butterflies, not to mention rhino beetles, giant spiders and scorpions!

Last but certainly not least, Singapore offers a unique opportunity for visitors to experience a night safari. See the rhinos, hear the hyenas, and witness the giraffes as they glide through the night. Home to 900 animals of 135 species, Singapore's night safari park is sure to provide your family with an unforgettable holiday experience.

Singapore Zoo - Child Friendly Tourist Destination in Singapore




When holidaying for leisure, we normally do it with our family especially with our kids. Aside from a luxurious and a grandiose stay in a star rated yet affordable hotel in Singapore, let us treat our kids by bringing them to one of the best destinations and must see attractions of Singapore and one of it is the Singapore Zoo. The Singapore Zoo is the most advanced zoo all over Southeast Asia and is child-friendly, thus safe to your kids. Bringing your kids in this kind of attraction is educational and will let your kids become aware of the environment and the wildlife animals living in it. The Singapore Zoo is the home to almost 4,000 animals like the orangutans, white tigers, kangaroos, elephants, baboons, boas, polar bears, New World monkeys, and a lot more.

What the Singapore Zoo made unique with the other zoo around is its having a concept of an open zoo. Cages are almost invisible to the eyes of the zoo goers. One great example of it is the deep moats surrounding the bigger land animals that are concealed by vegetation. Another one is the glass enclosures that kept the expert climbers animals like the jaguars and the snakes. In this way of zoo keeping, visitors can freely observe their favorite animals or even take pictures on it without the distraction of the traditional cage bars.

Another one great thing that a visitor can do in Singapore Zoo is their freedom to participate in feeding some of the species inside the zoo that will surely create a wonderful experience to both the visitors and the animals alike. Another fun thing during feeding time is when the zookeeper make some show while feeding the animals.

Singapore Zoo Activities

Aside from watching the animals move and roam around their habitats, the Singapore Zoo also has some activities or shows that adds up the fun experience of the visitors.

Hamadryas Baboons Exhibit - with just a few Singaporean dollars, visitors can already have their cup of fresh fruit slices to throw at about eighty baboons that are surrounded by watery moat and glass walls, which they come face to face.

The Splash Amphitheatre - in this show, the pelican, Californian sea lions, jackass penguins, and Caribbean manatees performs for the enjoyment of the zoo goers.

The Elephants At Work And Play Show - in this show, the zookeepers at the Elephants of Asia shows how the Elephants are put to work at the logging camps in Southeast Asia.

The Zoo is open all year round at 8:30am to 6:00pm daily with the last submission at 5:30pm. Tickets are sold at S$18.00 at children ages 3 to 12 at S$9.00.

The zoo is located at 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826. Getting is possible by driving your own car or by hailing a taxicab, or by taking a bus, by mass rapid transit, by bus hub service, by city tours, or by multimedia theme park express.

Singapore Zoo - An Aspiring Awe Places to See Wildlife


Developed as part of the Wildlife Reserves Singapore, the Singapore Zoo is one of the most original and awe-inspiring places to view wildlife. The zoo was developed with a world-famous 'open concept' set in a rainforest environment, giving visitors a wildlife experience like no other. The zoo houses 2500 different specimens across its 28- hectare location. Visitors can view animals from 316 different species groups, 36% of which are threatened animals. This gives a visitor to the Singapore Zoo a true insight into these wonderful members of the planet.

The Singapore Zoo is part of an international effort to conserve the natural population of wildlife and participates in breeding programs and conservation initiatives. The zoo is also at the forefront of veterinary research and healthcare. The zoo completed its Wildlife Healthcare and Research Center in 2006, making the zoo one of the world leaders in wildlife husbandry. The animals are housed in landscaped environments that are designed to simulate their naturally occurring environments. Visitors to the zoo will enjoy the rainforest environment that surrounds them and will experience interactive educational content at each enclosure. This helps the visitors truly learn and understand the animals they are seeing.

The Singapore Zoo offers a wide range of activities and programs for visitors. This helps ensure that not only will visitors to the zoo have an enjoyable experience, but that they will also receive an education. The zoo offers guided tours, feeding demonstrations and animal encounters and rides. This helps visitors become part of the experience rather than just observing from afar. The Rainforest Kidzworld has a water play area and a wild animal carousel, along with colorful and interactive learning experiences for the kids.

The Singapore Zoo offers a range of different attractions. The rainforest walk puts the visitor in the middle of live plants and animals, including small mousedeer, tree kangaroos and lemurs. The Boat Safari allows guests to ride along the Upper Seletar Reservoir and see the largest bird in the zoo, the white-bellied sea eagle as well as lots of other species. The Elephants at Work display provides an insight into the world of elephants and their handlers. Other great attractions of the zoo include an Australian Outback section, which is full of wallabies and kangaroos, the Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia, which contains more than 80 Hamadryas baboons, jackals and ibexes and the hippo enclosure, where hippos can be seen agilely swimming in the water. Other animal exhibits at the zoo include polar bears, primates, a reptile garden, a wild Africa exhibit and a white tiger display. Cat County showcases the big cats and the Critters Longhouse houses small animals of every kind.

The zoo also features a Zoo Shop for souvenirs and educational material as well as some local cuisine. The Ah Meng Kopi restaurant serves local favorites and the Pizzafari offers a range of different pizza and Italian courses. There is even a Ben &Jerry's ice cream shop.

The Singapore Zoo is a truly unique experience. It combines excitement and learning, all in a fun-filled and amazing environment. Everyone in the family will enjoy a visit to the Singapore