The London Zoo

A few weeks ago, we went to the London Zoo. I've been meaning to go for ages and for some reason today was the day. I have to say, it was a little dissappointing. Think Durban's Mitchell Park, throw in a few bigger animals and go there on the coldest day in Durban's history. The UNDOUBTED highlight of the day for us, was this Malayan Tapir…



What a legend of an animal! The whole time we gazed inquisitively over the fence at him, (wondering whether he was a giant ant-eater wearing a poncho or a miniature hornless Rhino with a crew-cut) he trotted around his pen rather disturbingly, with a crazed look in his eye! He even narrowly missed peeing on Robyn when she got too close with the camera, as he rounded the chicane closest to us. You see, I reckon he was a newbee. Quite clearly still coming to terms with the whole Zoo set-up. I don't blame him either, it must be a pretty harsh reality to come to terms with. Spending the rest of your life in a crappy cage only for people to watch your evey move. Like some sort of sick Big Brother, but without the 15 minutes of fame and a cover shot on Heat Magazine for your CV. Escape, quite clearly, was at the top of this fella's mind.

Another highlight was the Reptiles section which was/is really good. They even have a sign showing you the enclosure (which now has a Black Mamba in it) they used in the first Harry Potter film, where Harry makes the glass dissappear and his fat cousin falls in and screams like a baby. This particluar Iguana was one of the highlights. Just chilling on his dried out piece of driftwood, under the lamp in his tank. Clearly very comfortable.

They also have a few suprisingly healthy looking Asian Lions. Did you even know there were such things? I didn't. I thought they were unique to Africa. Apparently, a heck of a long time ago, these guys roamed the plains/deserts between Turkey and India. There was also a very average looking, but cute Sloth Bear, in fact I'm not even sure it was a bear, it could easily have been someone in a bear-suit. Oh and I forgot, they also had two tigers. Keep an eye out for July when they'll be adding a Gorillla to their list of attractions.

All in all, worth a visit, it's worth it just for the Tapir. Don't forget your oystercard to, so you can claim the 2for1 deal.