Zoo Atlanta is a beautiful experience in which the visitor experiences four different environments that provide unique perspectives on the animals . The African Plains recreates the environment of majestic and colossal creatures such as the elephant and giraffe. Despite the discrepency in size between humans and these creatures, the zoo provides an experience that made me feel on level terms. I probably felt that way because the platform is raised to allow spectators face to face contact with the animals. Additionally, the zoo allows visitors to feed the animals roaming in the environment. By feeding the giraffe I felt a deeper and closer connection with the animal.
The African Rainforest exhibit counterbalanced this experience by dwarfing me under the shadow of enormous trees. The tall tree’s were awe-inspiring but the base of the trees were more intriguing because I was able to observe the complex root system and how the gorillas interacted socially around them. I attempted to communicate with the gorillas and was surprised to find that they were responsive to my gesturing. I admired the intelligence of the ape and in the middle of my marveling I observed how calmly and gently they conducted themselves among each other. It made me think about how I conduct myself in the company of my friends and family. Ironically I found that the wild gorilla is tamer.
Both the African Plains and African Rainforest sections provided open spaces and this aspect contrasted greatly with the Asian Rainforest. Once I entered this section I felt closed off from the rest of the world. The sunlight failed to penetrate through the bamboo shoots which were packed tightly and abundantly placed throughout the park. Zoo Atlanta had effectively created a mini-China with architecture and decorations mimicking that of a rural Chinese village. If I had the opportunity to view the pandas playing in their pen my experience away from home would have felt complete but unfortunately they were asleep.
Finally, I finished my trip in the Kidzone where I entered upon the noise of bleating sheep, laughing children, and shrill noise of the train horn. Moving from the Asian Rainforest to the Kidzone I felt like I had returned to America. Tall, classic oak trees littered the area and a train track surrounded the area, keeping it away from the rest of the “world”. Here I felt nostalgia and childhood innocence, which was protected by the iron horse that patrolled the border. My nostalgia stemmed from an early childhood experience at a petting zoo in New York. Petting zoos were very uncommon in urban New York and the one I experienced left a lasting impression on me. The Kidzone helped me recall those days with clarity.
