I love to go to zoos. Some people think that it is cruel to keep animals in this way. However, as I view the tree kangaroo exhibit, one realizes that a zoo can assure that this already vulnerable animal will be saved from extinction likely from the Australian wildfires.
Also, for one to care about an animal or even a people group, seeing and learning about them will increase your commitment to their survival.
Rob and I had the zoo to ourselves due to COVID-19. There were no crowds, queues were empty, animals were easy to see! This is surely a result of cruises being canceled and people avoiding crowds.
Here are some of the amazing animals that we saw:
This is a wild pig found in Malaysia. It has the face that only a mother could love. It is called a babirusa not to be confused with a barista.
This rare white tiger was front and center and was really working the camera much to our delight. All white tigers originate from the same ancestor.
And what about a white peacock!
I called out to him since I used to have peacock conversations in my hometown zoo and this is what happened.
Here are some Sumatran orangutans.
I believe that this is a chameleon because his eyes move independently. What a beautiful shade of green…he blends right in.
While in the aviary, we were told that we might encounter a water monitor. Sure did!
Can you find the animal hiding in this picture? I have an identical picture from our safari in Tanzania. “If I can’t see you, you aren’t there?”
I sure do love meercats. So inquisitive.
This is a great picture of zebras and a male ostrich. In the wild zebras eat in pairs and face opposite directions in order to be alert to danger. It is good that they still do this in captivity. It makes for some interesting photographs.
Here are some great white pelicans.
Look at that wingspan.
Poor proboscis monkey. He looks a little embarrassed about his nose that swings to and fro.
Amazon River Quest
We had to pay $5 each to go on this ride. It started with a splash!
The boat floated through exhibits. We saw lots of animals. When we finished the ride, they asked if we wanted to go again. We saw even more the second time maybe because we knew where to look. And then we went a third time. What a bargain!!
Here is a capybara which resembles a guinea pig but is huge. It is the largest animal in the rodent family. My daughter, Julie, had a guinea pig named Piggy. She was amazed the first time that she saw a capybara.
River Safari
We went on a walking river safari where we learned about animals that live in and around the water. We saw lots of turtles, many of which put on a diving show.
And above ground and near the river, straight from North America, it’s Justin Beaver!!
This angelfish allowed me to get a straight shot. I wonder if he was looking at me.
And last but not least we’re getting to view the aquatic dances of an aggregation of manatees. Our oldest daughter, Elle, has always had a fondness for this gentle giant.
I wondered what a group of manatees is called: an aggregation. Here is a list of a few more. I put in bold those that I knew previously.
Apes: a shrewdness
Badgers: a cete
Bats: a colony, cloud or camp
Bears: a sloth or sleuth
Bees: a swarm
Buffalo: a gang or obstinacy
Camels: a caravan
Cats: a clowder or glaring; Kittens: a litter or kindle; Wild cats: a destruction
Cobras: a quiver
Crocodiles: a bask
Crows: a murder
Dogs: a pack; Puppies: a litter
Donkeys: a drove
Eagles: a convocation
Elephants: a parade
Elk: a gang or a herd
Falcons: a cast
Ferrets: a business
Fish: a school
Flamingos: a stand
Foxes: a skulk or leash
Frogs: an army
Geese: a gaggle
Giraffes: a tower
Gorillas: a band
Hippopotami: a bloat
Hyenas: a cackle
Jaguars: a shadow
Jellyfish: a smack
Kangaroos: a troop or mob
Lemurs: a conspiracy
Leopards: a leap
Lions: a pride
Moles: a labor
Monkeys: a barrel or troop
Mules: a pack
Otters: a family
Oxen: a team or yoke
Owls: a parliament
Parrots: a pandemonium
Pigs: a drift or drove (younger pigs), or a sounder or team (older pigs)
Porcupines: a prickle
Rabbits: a herd
Rats: a colony
Ravens: an unkindness
Rhinoceroses: a crash
Shark: a shiver
Skunk: a stench
Snakes: a nest
Squirrels: a dray or scurry
Stingrays: a fever
Swans: a bevy or game (if in flight: a wedge)
Tigers: an ambush or streak
Toads: a knot
Turkeys: a gang or rafter
Turtles: a bale or nest
Weasels: a colony, gang or pack
Whales: a pod, school, or gam
Wolves: a pack
Zebras: a zeal
Animals throughout the world are in a struggle and are fighting against humans for their survival. Currently, they are losing due to:
- Pollution
- Deforestation
- Climate change
- Illegal pet trade
- Habitat loss
- Urban encroachment
It starts with just one thing. What one thing will you do to help?
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