You don’t need to abduct a child!

Well, the good news is that it’s no longer necessary to kidnap child an, should you wish to visit the zoo. And you should visit, especially in Dublin, with it’s total focus on endangered species programmes.

There’s no parading of animals for human consumption. The habitats are designed to emulate the animal’s home territory, and if that means the passers-by miss out on seeing a sleeping tiger, so be it. The zoo tries to emulate what is found in each regions environment, hence this in the rainforest:

(It’s a drinks and chips vending machine).

The Zoo is blessed with the space to provide great viewing platforms, wide level paths, and toilets for the most demanding bladder. And if you do happen to accidently ditch a child, since you didn’t need them anyway:

The zoo keepers don’t encourage feeding the animals:

In amongst a whole array of endangered species, there’s a slightly confused animal which looks part zebra, but is actually related to the giraffe.

The zoo supports the European breeding programme, including provisioning of efforts in home countries to protect species, like the Oryx, who have no members living in the wild now.

And four of the elephant herd are being prepared for shipping to another international zoo to continue trying to save that breed:

These caught my eye, but is just a smidgen of what’s being nurtured:

And then there’s the ugliest yet irresistible pig ever, with it’s golden coat, and whimsical long lock of hair hanging from each ear:

And the reason gorillas turn their bottoms towards others…. it’s a sign of respect. But as to why the huge Silverback gorilla wouldn’t pose for the camera? He was selecting his lunch!

If you only ever visit (or support) one zoo, consider Dublin; it’s a gem.

And no, you don’t need a child!