I feel weird about zoos. The photography feels like cheating and I don't like the idea of animals being in an enclosure just for people to look at. But some zoos exist as sanctuaries for animals that cannot live in the wild, and as research centers to further understand, and hopefully learn to lessen, the impact humans have on the endangerment of so many species.
That being said, I had a great time with my brother and sister-in-law (I'm a sentimental bitch and I just love saying that) at the Kobe Animal Kingdom. The animals seemed relatively content and the handlers and custodians were clearly quite bonded with them. I got my hand kissed by a capybara and I got to experience the gentle demeanor of a sacred ibis as he ate from my hand.
And I got to see two of these surly motherfuckers in person.
Giant Shoebills, native to Northeast Africa. Fish-eaters that hunt slowly, much like herons, and pee on their legs to keep cool. Introverts that keep to themselves, even though they mate for life. She-shed/man-cave types. Aside from the leg-wetting, I could totally see myself as one of these birds.
CrowTube Channel
Crowstagram
NFT Crowroom
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