Since I have never been to an American zoo, I had no expectation whatsoever going on this trip. But as soon as I set foot in the front entrance, I was immediately blown away by the grand scale of the zoo. I “turned” into a little child, eagerly making my way from one exhibition to the next. It was a fascinating and relaxing experience to watch many varieties of animals in real life. To give you an idea about the scope of the zoo, it took me more than three hours to visit all the exhibitions, not to mention another hour I spent in the aquarium.
Here are some interesting photos I took during the visit.
We first came in not knowing that the wild animals section was at another lot. So we started at the botanical gardens. The winter had been quite harsh so there was not much in the botanical garden, but I really liked this Japanese zen garden.
Then I visited the aquarium, which was opposite to the botanical garden. The only source of light in the aquarium was from the tanks themselves. This created an awesome glowing effect that immediately drew my attention.
A beautiful coral in a small tank. Can you find the clown fish in this picture?
I finally caught sight of a shark in the huge wall tank.
Me posing in front of the wall tank. After a few tries, my friend was able to capture me with the shark in the background.
A Japanese moon nettle, one of the most beautiful and peaceful creatures in the aquarium. I swear it didn't move for fifteen minutes.
After an hour at the aquarium, I had to take a little train to get to the main zoo.
The first sign I saw at the animal zoo. Keep scrolling down for pictures of these animals, and more.
I was so close to this giraffe. After staring at me for a few minutes, he lost interest and walked away.
A lazy white rhino taking a nap. He (or she?) was much bigger than I imagined and the skin looks so thick and hard.
These zebras likewise weren't moving, perhaps they were enjoying a sun bath.
Two boars taking a nap.
I watched this tiger for a while and he stayed in this awkward pose for a long time, perhaps a foot bath.
Mountain lion being pensive.
Time was running out so I had to rush through the reptile center.
A duck playing with the water.
The last exhibition I saw was also the coolest one. This polar bear was walking back and forth on top of the waterfall.
To see even more pictures, visit the full gallery.