Although zoos are often frowned upon by animal lovers due to poor
conditions and heart-wrenchingly small enclosures for species that
really should be treated with more respect, many nowadays are turning
towards better practise by ensuring that their residents have more
adequate space that better emulates their natural habitats and many are
becoming more heavily involved in both supporting and funding
conservation projects all around the world.
Zoos can also provide
visitors with crucial access to species that they would never normally
have the privilege of seeing so closely, encouraging people to learn all
about the animals and the habitats in which they live, and helping
people to understand the threats that an increasing number of species
are facing in the wild (primarily due to more human intervention in
these areas).
The
Barcelona Zoo is one such place that on a recent visit there, we were
pleasantly surprised at what we discovered. Located in a park in the
heart of the city, the zoo itself looks very small from the entrance but
once you pass through the gates you are met with a very clean and
friendly environment that seems to go on forever. In fact, it was really
quite staggering to see just how big it was considering that it is
surrounded by high-rise buildings.Numerous species can be found there
including zebras, wildebeest, elephants, giraffes, meercats and
mongooses, komodo dragons, tigers, tapirs, bears, rhinos and hippos.
There are birds galore from penguins and flamingoes to the herons and
peacocks that roam freely around the zoo, and more primate species than
you can count - mandrills, gorillas, chimps, spider monkeys and tamarins
to name just a few.
There
are an impressive number of informative posters detailing each
individual species and a large educational gorilla exhibition which is
found close to the marine centre. A children's zoo is found towards the
end of the long route around the zoo where little ones can come close to
everyday species such as goats, chicks and even guinea pigs.At the
end of the day, as a natural world enthusiast it is never nice to see
animals in captivity but I do strongly feel that if somewhere manages to
get the balance right, zoos can be incredibly important about teaching
future generations about the animals that we share our world with and
highlight the importance of protecting them for the future.
