A Day at Shanghai Wildlife Park

Arriving at Shanghai Wildlife Park at 8 AM to avoid the morning rush, I found the place peaceful and a bit chilly. I waited for the park to open while browsing a friend's article in a nearby gas station store. The park has improved its facilities, offering informative introductions via WeChat QR codes. As I admired the animals, I learned about their origins, physical traits, and habits, which was both interesting and educational. The entrance featured vibrant flamingos and large birds, while swans and mandarin ducks graced the expansive lake area, showcasing their affection. At 10 AM, the sea lion show attracted a lively crowd of students and children, creating a youthful and energetic atmosphere. Girls were busy taking photos, and the sea lion's splashes prompted some boys to open umbrellas for protection. However, some brave boys interacted with the sea lions, proudly waving after successful ring tosses and ball tricks. Touring the wildlife area by car, I encountered numerous animals blocking the road, offering a spectacular view. A cheetah even jumped onto a jeep roof, confidently swaying its tail like a ruler. The park now features scheduled animal introductions and behavior displays. The African and Asian elephant exhibits included feeding and performances, with elephants using their trunks to spray water like showers. Xixi, a female rhinoceros, allowed me to touch her horn, proving to be gentle and non-aggressive. The zebra area, meant for display, seemed more like a pampering session, with feeding, grooming, and trainers encouraging them to run. The pandas appeared lazy, each sleeping either indoors on branches or outdoors on hammocks, covered in dirt. Their treatment seemed inferior to Singapore's pandas, who reside in luxurious accommodations. Feeling hungry in the chilly weather, I enjoyed a turkey leg meal at the Cheetah Restaurant, reminiscent of sharing a turkey leg with my daughter at Universal Studios in the USA. At Sun Plaza, I caught the "Nature's Secrets" show, featuring equestrian performances, ostrich races, and various animal acts. The hunting dogs participated in cross-country races and running competitions, disappearing swiftly at the signal. I stumbled upon the "Beast Party," a vibrant celebration of wildlife. A simple greeting, "Are you happy today?" reminded me of a story from Cai Chongda's "Grassroots," asking, "Did you have a good day today?" The most captivating performances were the brown bear's food snatching and the tiger's hunting display, with the beasts charging at the glass, baring their teeth, leaving me astonished. The park closed at 5 PM, marking a fulfilling 8-hour visit. Unlike other attractions, this experience was enriched by the presence of numerous children, from elementary to high school students. Reflecting on my daughter's growth, I recalled previous visits, including last year's memorable photo with a long-tailed monkey. #Pelican #VisitingZoosIsSeriousBusiness #Zoo #CloseAnimalEncounters