Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Urban Wilderness - The Zoo by Lizzie Chan

Hey, there kids! Have you packed your backpacks for an adventurous animal quest in a jungle-hiking trip this coming school holidays? No? Okay, maybe a wilderness exploration may sound a little too adventurous for the time being but you can still have the same amount of fun by visiting our National Zoo!

Located in Ampang, this animal retreat may seem small from the outside but Zoo Negara actually houses 5137 animals from a selection of 459 species! As you stepped through the gates, you will be greeted by a graceful towering creature that has the longest neck you'll ever see!

Those spots are pretty, aren't they? Giraffes are one of the tallest animals on earth as male giraffes can grow up to 19 feet tall! Females on the other hand can stand up to 16 feet tall.

With those long-neck mammals aside, you will see another group of gentle giants next to their dens. What kind of animal could that be? Well, let's just say these creatures are very careful around mice.

You've guessed it! Elephants. Did you know that our land's biggest mammals are like children too? They need discipline from other mature elephants in order to be a responsible member of the herd. This obedient elephant here is keeping itself cool by hiding under the shed from the hot weather.

Besides having great creatures like these, you can also find many smaller mammals in the zoo's large compound; like our favourite storybook deer for instance!

Could this be Bambi? Whether it is our little lost deer or not, fawns (baby deers) have no scent. With that, enemies of these cute animals will not be able to detect them, thus keeping them away from harm.

A few sections away from the deers, you will find a mysterious black and white creature that looks like a combination of a pig and a small cow. Don't know which animal I'm talking about? Why, it's the Tapir of course!

The adorable little thing is having its breakfast in its compound.

If you've had enough of tiny little mammals, fret not for the next section will definitely bring out the excitement in you! Here, you will come face-to-face with the king of the jungle.

Lions! Hear them roar! (If they really do, remember to cover your ears because an adult lion's roar is so powerful, it can be heard up to five miles away.) A pair of those ferocious cats are seen lazing around a wooden platform, enjoying the sun.

There are also numerous bears being kept in a few compounds not far off. You can see how teddy's original friends live their furry lives when you visit them at their respective homes!

Did you know that bears are closely related to pandas, raccoons and even dogs?

There are many other animals that you can visit at the zoo besides these. So come on now, what are you waiting for? The urban wilderness must be explored!

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