Wednesday, March 14, 2001

Set off for Washington National Zoo today and unlike the UK it’s free.

Washington Zoo

The zoo has just received two giant panda's from China, which they are hoping will mate.
Apparently it’s very difficult getting the panda’s to mate while in captivity.

Panda

Walking round it was what I would have expected for a zoo this size.
What surprised me was the Amazon House, which was tucked away at the bottom of a hill.
You walk through it and there for all to see are various animals, 
plants and fish from many different regions.
When you get about half way the Amazon House you enter a big part of the building that has been totally transformed to a tropical rain forest with all the above totally free to roam, swim.
The Amazon House was very humid and noisy with fantastic birds flying all around as you walk…. 
it was the highlight.

Inside Amazon house   Inside Amazon house

Inside Amazon house   Inside Amazon house

When you get towards the exit to the building you enter a large educational /research complex with interactive computers, Books, charts and specimens, brilliant for Schools and Colleges etc.

Research Complex

I had a great day walking round seeing, reptiles, butterflies and fish along with all the big stuff like:
Elephants, Lions, Tigers, Buffalos, Giraffes, Seals and all manner of mammals.
I can highly recommend to any visitor to the U.S.A. to give it a look

Buffalo   Elephant

Lion   Hippo

Tiger   White Tiger

My favourite picture from the Zoo.

Elephant statue

Home now after picking up some flowers for Alison!
See you tomorrow
XXX


Next Day