I, like many other people, am an animal lover. When I was younger - and to be completely honest, even now - my dream was to do zoology and work with animals. I have this wild fantasy about getting on a plane to Africa, and working for the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust for a few years, before going on to Borneo and helping the Orangutans. Obviously I know this is probably impossible, however I can dream. One day I'll take a holiday to go see them, just so I can at least get half way to my dream.
Although I'd love to see all of these animals in their natural environment, I love zoos, not just because I love to just see the animals and spend time watching them in complete awe, but because I find the conservation work many of the zoos do fascinating. Most of the zoos I've visited have been very large ones with large enclosures, so to go to Copenhagen Zoo and see the tiny enclosures, upset me quite a bit.
I was really looking forward to seeing the polar bears in their new Arctic Ring area, as well as the Elephants in their new Elephant House, which was designed by famous architect, Norman Foster. To say I was disappointed would be an understatement. Copenhagen Zoo is one of the oldest and most famous city zoos, and is therefore very small with not a lot of room. This presents an immediate problem for the Elephants, especially as Denmark keep being 'gifted' Elephants, and they therefore have quite a large group of them...in less than one acre of space. Also I'm not sure why one elephant had chains on its ankles?!
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