I was in two minds whether to go with Z for Zoo, as I'm not too keen on promoting zoos and I'm sure a few other's will have done Z for Zoo too. I had an alternative, obscure Z as a possibilty but decided to go to the Zoo anyway.
Loro Parque Zoo is in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife. We went because, when there are only a limited number of excursions on offer, you take what you can get. We travelled in a large coach, belonging to Orobus, which had an hydraulic lift for wheelchairs. Being first on, we were seated at the front over the driver, affording us an excellent view. Our route was all the way round the island on the motorway. We got many sightings of El Teide.
In Planet Penguin the humans stand on a slowing moving conveyor belt, watching the penguins on their artificial iceberg, or maybe it is they who watch us in wonderment.
We wanted to see the dolphin show but the signposting was such that you had to go round through many other areas to get there. The direct route was either unsigned or blocked. It took us twenty exhausting minutes to push our way through the crowds. When we did get there, it was certainly worth it. Dolphins are natural performers and the show was very enjoyable.
We had four and a half hours in which to explore the park. At €24 each, entrance isn't cheap. It is typical of most such places. They compulsorily take your picture as you enter and then try to sell you a copy at the exit for an outrageous €6! If you enjoy this sort of place, there are lots to see, but we got lost in and around a forest walk with raucous caged parrots. Although the paths allowed wheelchair access everywhere, they went up and down and around, often bending at an angle. Christine skidded on one particularly steep adverse camber. We were soon quite tired and really did't get to see too much of what was on offer.
More of my photographs from the zoo can be found in my Natural Images album.
Intersting post. But for that entrance fee I could spend a weekend at one of our National Parks.
ReplyDeleteThe penguin cage looks interesting. We have had Emperor Penguins and the Rock Hoppers end up on our coastline. They suffer, because of the heat, so are given some R&R and when ready dropped off in the sea near their natural habitat.
They have incredible homing instincts and swim many miles to return home.
I would have liked to do a zoo but we haven't any in the neighbourbood - as far as I know.
ReplyDeleteI know how you feel about Zoos. The penguin exhibit in your photo looks like one I saw in Boston except you can stand there and watch them for hours and not be moved along on a conveyor belt.
ReplyDeleteInteresting post. The penguin enclosure looks identical to the one I saw in Florida. That too had a conveyor belt. No doubt designed and built by the same people.
ReplyDeleteOur nearest zoo is in Colchester. I must admit I'm impressed by it...it's spacious and does a great deal of breeding.
ReplyDeleteI must say I share some of your scepticism towards Zoos, but when that is said: Well done!
ReplyDeleteI myself, don't care for zoos, I prefer to see animals in the wild. We used to have a safari park not too far north of here but when the lease on the land expired, they closed down.
ReplyDeleteI do like zoos but only for the reason of being able to see exotic animals and mammals. Sometimes you might manage a natural shot
ReplyDeleteI've not been to the zoo in years. Interesting!
ReplyDeleteI posted Z for zoo also, but only the outside. I was put off by the $20 entry (not really - just didn't have time on the day). Your €24 fee makes ours look cheap.
ReplyDeleteAtlanta has a nice big zoo that I went to a few years ago. I'd much rather do something else tho. Your pictures are nice.
ReplyDeleteThat's expensive! I'm sure you see things a bit differently when you pay so much for the view. The bird is pretty.
ReplyDeleteI have actually been to Loro Parque and enjoyed it. We were on our own and spent a little more time. Thanks for bringing back the memories. I just went to the Bronx Zoo a couple of weeks ago and plan to go back when the weather is nice. They do a lot of work with endangered species there.
ReplyDeleteI'm not fond of zoos either but they sure have come a long way from how they used to be.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos!
So long as the zoo is into conservation of species work, then I'll live with it, but not purely for display purposes.
ReplyDeleteGood photos.
Very interesting zoo. I went to the zoo only once last year but your zoo looks better than what I went in my town.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
DsM
Expensive trip to the zoo but a great post for Z.
ReplyDeleteI sometimes think that the people that design things for the handicapped and wheelchairs have never experienced the difficulity for themselves.
That second shot - I didn't know you were taking a picture of me or I woulda smiled!!!
ReplyDeleteI have never been is such big ZOO. Your post is nice and interesting but dolphins’ show is something in which I would enjoy the most.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for visited my blog and for the useful comments. I appreciate it a lot.
I thought of Zoo as well but don't go to them as they are usually depressing so I did zippers instead! I like yours!
ReplyDeleteI know that place! but I haven't visited yet! Tenerife is such a nice place, don't you think? Nice report!
ReplyDeleteHi Gerald,
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting on the/y blogs ZOO post, I can see what you mean, a Zoo is not a natural area for animals, but a safariparks (where we went in Holland) is close to the wild-nature. Thoug its not the same I agree. Your photo's are great ; a good mixture of different animals...
Have a great and creative weekend! I hope to see you also back on my blog, you're being welcome,
Greetings from JoAnn Photography