On Sunday the 2nd of March I took my 9 year old niece Eilish and 7 year old nephew Breandan for a visit to the Adelaide Zoo. Located in the city’s parklands, entry for adults costs $20 (AUD) and $12 for children. I used an Entertainment Book voucher for a 25% discount.

It was many years since I visited Adelaide zoo and the place has changed substantially. Many of the traditional zoo fortress-like cages have been replaced with contoured landscapes, moats and clear sightlines to the animals, particularly in the South East Asian Rainforest Immersion area. These clear sightlines give both the illusion of being closer to the animals and a less artificial feel.

Although selected exhibits still seem cruel, the educational value of learning about the endangered species and what can be done to help save them more than makes up for it. I’m sure thousands of people, particularly children, have been inspired by a trip to the zoo to contribute towards saving the natural environment and the wild populations of the animals contained within. Adelaide Zoo’s partnership with Monarto Zoo and their native and exotic endangered species breeding projects and campaigns also point to the zoo serving higher level purposes the traditional zoo “freak show”. this is great contrast to the terrible Tarsus Zoo in Turkey.

My highlight of the day were the animals in the Nocturnal House including native rodents and bats.

Before catching the bus back home we walked to a cafe in the city to give the kids a babycino and spend time away from the heat. The above photo is of a reflection from the Mall’s Balls, a Rundle Mall landmark.

Eilish and Breandan were excited and full of energy in the morning but by the end of the hot day their crankiness and tiredness ruled supreme. Breandan steadfastly refused to sit down on the bus and when he did he was not a happy chappy. I love this no-look shot I took of him:

Overall it was a good day together and I look forward to taking the kids out more in the future.