วันศุกร์ที่ 31 พฤษภาคม พ.ศ. 2556

Top 10 Zoos of the World

Establishment of Zoos is always evidence of species diversity and, of course, of human concern about lives of animals and their surroundings. Hence, it is interesting to know what countries and zoo parks are the most prominent in the world society.
1. One of the greatest ones is a Singapore Zoo, which occupies an area of 28 hectares in tropical forest. It is here one might be introduced to 3200 species of mammals, reptiles, fish and birds. Moreover, this Zoo is also a place of multiple unusual "babies", which are the representatives of rare and endangered species like Nemean leaf monkey, white rhino, long-nosed monkey, sea cow and, of course, orangutan. Besides usual walk along the Zoo, there is an opportunity to ride on a boat on the reservoir, or on a small train and rent a scooter.

2. Ranua Wildlife Park, the northernmost zoo in the world, is also included in this list, which is situated in Finland. It is an area, where one might see arctic species in their natural environment, among which a polar bear is the famous one. 50 species and nearly 200 individuals are represented and, basically, all animals are seen within large families. This Zoo can also boast of Animal Park, opened in summer.
3. London Zoo is acknowledged the most scientific Animal Park in the world. Initially this zoological captivity was opened to scientists and students solely, but since 1847 it has established a public access. Nowadays it is a host for 755 species of animals and birds, the biggest of which are preserved in Zoo's subsidiary in Bedfordshire. London Zoo is also an international record-holder: the world's first terrarium was opened in 1849 there, as well as first aquarium in 1853 and insectarium in 1881.
4. The status of the best European Zoo belongs to Prague Zoo, which preserves 58 species from a Red Book and 14 species on the verge of extinction. The zoo deals with breeding of rare animals, such as Przewalski's horse, giant turtle, endangered species of lizards, gavials, cats, antelopes, etc. Currently Prague Zoo is a home for 674 species, among which there are the Galapagos turtles: this Zoo appeared to be the only one providing perfect conditions for their living in captivity on the continent.
5. Jerusalem Biblical Zoo, founded in 1940, is a host for both, species, mentioned in Old Testament, and popular animals nowadays. Locating on 25 hectares of land, this captivity preserves nearly 200 species. The distinctive feature of this park is a presence of Noah's Ark. It is said that its goal corresponds with goals of modern zoos - to preserve animals for future generations.

6. Chiang Mai Zoo in Thailand occupies an 81-hectare area and was established in 1977 as a first commercial Zoo in Northern Thailand. The variety of animals includes 400 species in addition to two large aquariums. In 2008 an aquatic tunnel with a length of 133 meters (the world's longest tunnel aquarium) was opened to the public. There is also a night "safari" programme offered, during which a special tram drives visitors up to the giraffes, zebras, lions and rhinos.
7. 1500 species can be met at Berlin Zoo, founded in 1844. The characteristic feature of this Zoo is exhibiting the most spectacular animal species, which are raised within an area of the Zoo. Among most well-known there are Knut, a polar bear, and Bao Bao, a Giant Panda.
8. Being in the military spot, Baghdad Zoo has survived with 35 animal species out of 650 in 2003. After its reopening this Animal Park currently counts 1070 animals thankfully to the efforts of Anthony Lawrence, a zoologist from Zululand. He spent six months in Baghdad, curing survivors, and has already published a book "The Babylonian ark. The incredible rescue of the Baghdad Zoo during the war."
9. The representatives of Australian species might be observed in Australian Zoo named after famous crocodile hunter Steve Irwin, who tragically died in 2006. The zoo contains a wide range of birds, mammals and reptiles, divided into several exhibition lots: the Crocoseum with snakes, birds and crocodiles, Africa (zebras, rhinos, giraffes), Tiger Temple demonstrating Bengal and Sumatran species, Elephantasia with three elephants, South-East Asian Precinct (Komodo dragons, red pandas, Asian small-clawed otters, and Burmese pythons) and Rainforest Aviary preserving raptors and birds of prey.
10. Miami Zoo is situated in the environment, where climate conditions allow raising African, Asian and Australia species. That is why it is a place, where you can see black rhinos, white tigers, Komodo lizards, gibbons and Cuban crocodiles. In addition, Miami Zoo has the largest open aviary in the U.S., which is a home for more than 300 species of rare birds.
Hence, as you see the most famous Zoo parks are located in different places around the world, but each of them has its distinctive features and spectacular species to show.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6807662

วันจันทร์ที่ 13 พฤษภาคม พ.ศ. 2556

A Trip to Ark Avilon Zoo


I finally convinced my partner to visit Ark Avilon Zoo near Tiendesitas last weekend. I don't know exactly why but I really wanted to visit a zoo. It was the nearest I can think of. At first, I was hesitant because I thought he might laugh at me for wanting to visit a zoo since it's a place for kids! But I figured, "Who said adults can't have the same amount of fun kids do in a zoo?"
Ark Avilon Zoo is located at Frontera Verde, Ortigas Avenue, Corner C-5, Pasig. It's beside Fun Ranch and very near Tiendesitas.
The zoo claims to be the 1st and only interactive indoor zoo in the Philippines as of date. Its concept and structure is patterned from the biblical story of Noah's Arc. So it actually looks like a boat!

To refresh our memory:
The story of Noah's Ark can be found in the Book of Genesis in the Bible. It tells the story of Noah, who was instructed by God to build a vessel to save his family and samples of animals all over the world from a great flood. The flood will be sent by God to destroy the evilness of men.
Most of the animals are enclosed with a glass wall for viewing. Remember not to tap the glass as to avoid aggravating the animals!
A slightly elevated area inside the Ark Avilon Zoo for animal interaction. At the back is a small waterfalls and pond for some of the zoo's aquatic animals and reptiles.
Visitors are allowed to interact with some of the birds. I was able to sit beside an eagle and have my picture taken. I'm supposed to be scared but probably my love for animals and the assurance I got from one of the zoo's keepers that it's safe made me overcome my fear of touching a real live eagle! I was also able to pet a cockatoo! The bird even stayed on my shoulder for awhile. On the side, cockatoos are very sociable birds!
A feeding station can be found on the second floor for guinea pigs and rabbits. For Php10, you will be given a small portion of a carrot on a stick for feeding. If you're in your slippers or open-toed shoes, you better stay inside the area allocated for feeders (located at the center) to avoid accidental bites.

Here are some of the animals you will encounter... or see in Ark Avilon Zoo:
There's a puma and a leopard. Both were very sleepy during our visit. You'll also see a tortoise that I found quite fascinating. Imagine carrying all that weight all his life! Now I'm wondering why I didn't try to touch him. Maybe all he needs is a good pat. A few sheep can be found on the second deck. Visitors are allowed to feed some of the animals in this floor for a price. A few leaves is worth Php10 if you'd like to feed these beh-sounding animal. There's also a sea eagle. I'm amazed how these animals can withstand all the clicking and flashing of our cameras without being annoyed. Some people ought to learn patience from these creatures!
Don't forget to look for Jenny, the orangutan. Do take a picture with her! She's very friendly but kids, be careful! She's quite heavy!
The staffs of Ark Avilon Zoo are very accommodating. Don't hesitate to ask for their assistance or ask them any questions you might have.
Ark Avilon Zoo is open from 9:00am to 6:00pm Mondays through Thursdays and from 10:00am to 7:30pm during Fridays through Sunday and holidays. Entrance fee is P300 per person and P200 for kids 3.75 feet and below. Admission for children below 1yr old is FREE and Senior Citizen Card is accepted.
The zoo is not that huge, but it's enough for families and friends to enjoy their visit! You may want to bring a towel, an extra shirt, and a bottle of water during your visit as it is rather hot inside this particular ark. This would probably depend on what time of the year you'll be visiting. The heat this summer is really bad! Clean restrooms are provided on the ground floor for visitors.
Finally, my partner and I noticed how few of our local animals were included in the Ark Avilon Zoo. Hopefully, we'll be seeing more of ours in our future visit.:)
For further details, you can contact them at (632) 706-2992 or please visit their site at http://arkavilonzoo.weebly.com/. You may also want to check out their Facebook Page.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4557412

วันพุธที่ 8 พฤษภาคม พ.ศ. 2556

Rhode Island's Roger Williams Park Zoo - An Unsurpassed Family Trip


Roger Williams Park Zoo, "The Jewel of Providence," one of the oldest zoos in the country, is the lion's pride of the state. Ever since its opening in 1872, Rhode Island residents have sought its sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the city proper. By the mid 1960s, this cherished institution showed visible signs of neglect. In 1962, Sophie Danforth founded the Rhode Island Zoological Society whose purpose was to increase public awareness, support for the zoo, and to raise funds from the private sector. Since then, passage of a bill providing federal support to non-profit zoos has afforded Roger Williams Park Zoo a magnificent revival. During these challenging economic times, a general admission fee of $12 per adult and $6 for children ages 3-12 seems pretty reasonable when you consider the educational benefits of such an unsurpassed family trip replete with architectural marvels and diverse exhibits.

Things to Do
The Zoo: this segment of Roger Williams Park has received accolades from all over the country for its conservation and education efforts as well as for its entertainment value. Visitors to the zoo can expect to discover many unique animals of the world, all roaming through a natural setting. Exhibit areas are divided by geographical location with these designations: Africa, North America, Australasia, Madagascar, Marco Polo Trail, Tropical America. Since the zoo itself covers an expanse of 40 acres, the determined average length of stay is 3 hours. The path through the zoo is a little over one mile long. One can expect to encounter over over 950 animals and 160 different species including elephants, giraffe, moon bears, gibbons, bison, snow leopards, tree kangaroos, wallabies...
Carousel Village: The village highlight is a Victorian Carousel manufactured by the Chance Rides Company, Wichita Kansas in 1989. The detailed 50' diameter, 60 rider Carousel has fiberglass reproductions of museum quality antique designs of an old-fashioned carousel. Features include: a Dentzel design jumping rabbit and scenery panels, looff lion and sea dragons. Design influences by masters of carousel art such as Herschell, Spillman and Parker abound. Each of the 60 Carousel animals took over 100 hours to paint and detail. Other attractions in the Carousel Village are a bouncy tent, banana boat ride, and Hasbro Boundless Playground, café, and gift shop.
Boating: For $5 per person one can rent a paddle boat, kayak, canoe, or embark on a 30 minute narrated water tour of Roger Williams Park via Roosevelt Lake. The 21-foot launch boat located behind the Dalrymple Boathouse is powered by electricity, so there is virtually no noise or pollution.
Charles H. Smith Greenhouses: Besides offering a great variety of plants and flowers, park staff provides horticultural education to people of all ages and levels of interest-environmentally-minded, exotic plant enthusiasts, and gardeners.
Museum of Natural History and Planetarium: Rhode Island's only natural history museum and public planetarium, its numerous exhibits, events, and attractions have earned it a stellar reputation with awards to prove it. To cite a few: Nickelodeon's 2008 Parents' Pick Best Museum (kids & teens); Editor's Choice in the 2004 edition of Yankee Magazine Travel Guide to New England; The Planetariun received Editor's Choice in the Providence Phoenix Best of RI; Reader's Choice for "Best Underappreciated Museum." One of the planetarium's exhibits of celestial magnitude with plenty of hands-on activities is "Life of Stars: From Nebula to Supernova," scheduled through January 2011, tracks the evolution of stars from birth to their explosive end.
Park Grounds and Amenities: Casino ( used for hosting events, its brick exterior and verandas embellished with Ionic columns, semi-circular porticos and railings with turned balusters, exemplify the Colonial Revival architecture of the late nineteenth century). The Bandstand on Roosevelt Lake (supported by a dozen Corinthian columns, one "noted" flaw in this ornate wooden structure which looks like stone-its 30 foot diameter acoustical dome produces an echo). Temple to Music (built of Vermont maple, the temple serves as a gathering place for concerts and festivals).
A family trip to Roger Williams Park Zoo is an unsurpassed experience-- an excursion which can be repeated throughout the year due to upcoming events and new exhibits. "The Jewel of Providence" shines for residents as well as out-of-towners who seek sanctuary strolling along a vast acreage dotted with architectural marvels, museum and planetarium, greenhouse, and renowned zoo. Lace up your sneakers for an affordable trek that's educational and recreational.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3996945