空-It's a Panda, Can You See It?

Growing up, an exciting and expected summer activity is going to the zoo with family and/or friends.  Ever since I could remember, the trips to the Zoo were always fun.  I enjoyed looking at the animals, and never did it once cross my mind that they were unhappy.  This week, I had the opportunity to go to the Beijing Zoo.  Although the exhibits were not astounding, there was at least vegetation and, for most animals, space to move around.  However, one of the things that I found the saddest was the way the people were acting with the animals.  For example, when we were visiting the bear exhibits; I witnessed several older teenagers, or young adults pouring ice tea and throwing popcorn into the pen.  This continued with many other animals such as antelope and zebras who probably shouldn’t be eating processed crackers and pocky, just a guess.  Many were trying to entice the animals to do something, but the animals just ignored them, like it was a regular occurrence.  As a result of this, I personally feel that some of the animals were out in open rebellion against huamans.  This was evident owing to the fact that they all had their back side to us; and it wasn't just one, it was clear organized rebellion.

  

Does it not look like its stuffed?

The best things about going to the Beijing zoo is that I got to see a PANDA! They’re so cute, and it was real! I have pictures to prove it.  Anyway, here’s a funny story.  When I was taking pictures, one of the pandas was lying on this wooden playground structure type thing, and it was in a really cute position, let me just tell you.  So I quickly told Joseph to take a picture of me with it.  After handing my camera back, he proceeded to point out that the panda was not moving and looked like it was stuffed.  It was really still; at first I resisted, but then after some persuasion, he convinced me.  Pandas have an uncanny ability to look like they’re stuffed when they’re still alive… and I’m a little gullible, so I just went along with it.  We had a pretty good laugh, and my friend said, “maybe there’s a guy who’s in the panda suit and pretending!” And we laughed still harder… and then it moved! So I knew it was real, and then I found out that he was just kidding anyway… Awk…  I have heard other people talk about zoos in China; so it was not the worst zoo, but I still felt that most of the exhibits were very sad.  I don’t think I’ll be going back.  The only thing that made it worth while was the panda.

Also it was rather amusing to see Christmas sculptures at the Zoo.  Like the ones you can buy at Macy's for like $30.00.  They were over by the polar bear section.  They were in this glass case and all beautified.  There were Christmas lights and an igloo.  Apparently the Chinese are under the impression that polar bears (and wolves) and Christmas go together... Well, whatever makes them happy...