Tuesday, April 30, 2024

April 2024 A-Z Challenge: U.S. Travel Chronicles [Zoo, Sanctuary, Aquarium]

#249


What's the difference between a Zoo, a Sanctuary, and an Aquarium?


Aquarium's easy because it only deals with animals found in water - the seas, oceans, and rivers. Basically a house for marine life.


A zoo is typically a facility where animals are conserved and sometimes also housed for public display for education purposes. They can feature a variety of animals from across different regions and ecosystems. Zoos can also focus on breeding to conserve endangered species, whereas a sanctuary provides a safe haven for rescue animals. Put simply, a sanctuary's focus is care and rehab for animals. 


Finally, a safari, typically a wildlife one, is an outdoor adventure experience, where visitors in jeeps or open buses observe wild animals in their natural habitats while listening to the guides educate them about their daily interactions with the animals. It's the most immersive experience out of all the above options.


Except for sanctuary, we were able to experience the other three in the US in the past year since we've been here. We visited the massive Georgia Aquarium, followed by the Atlanta Zoo, followed by the Wildlife Safari in San Diego's Safari Park.


While I'd rate the zoo and safari pretty much equally, the aquarium stands apart, as it was truly an amazing experience we had, and even got to touch a sting ray (under supervision, of course)!


The above picture was taken at the Atlanta Zoo - where we were greeted by a flock of pink flamingoes. Did you know - a group of flamingoes is called a flamboyance. What a mellifluous word! Absolutely apt for the sight for sore eyes we encountered just as we entered the place!




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