Fond of Fauna

I almost never visit zoos or aquariums when traveling, or even back at home for that matter. My bias when traveling leans towards the cultural, historical and, of course, architectural. Captivity is something I usually find distasteful, as well.

This trip, and you can call me a hypocrite, I decided to visit the Sydney Aquarium and the Taronga Zoo to see the curious menagerie that is the fauna of Australia. Since childhood, you are taught how isolationism gave rise to unique animals. And how can you not be curious with some of the names of these creature?

There are Dugongs, Long-nosed Bandicoots, Bettongs, Kookaburras, Bilbies, Potoroos, Platypuses, Cassowarries, Yabbies, Dingoes, Kangaroos, Emus, Echidnas, Galahs, Goannas, Koalas, Kowaris Wombats, Quokkas, Spotted Tailed Quolls, Tasmanian Devils, Wallaroos and scary Salt Water Crocodiles.

The Taronga Zoo in particular was impressive. Most get there by taking the ferry from Central Sydney and then riding a cable car to the main entrance. It sits on a slope on the North Shore of Sydney Harbor so there are impressive views back towards the city center. Sprawling, very lush and teeming with large enclosures for the animals, this was a pleasant visit.

Closing observations:
Salt water crocs are dinosaurs in all their scariness.
Zoo animals sleep a lot.
And wombats and koalas are just so damn cute.