To the Zoo!

A company of Macaws in a free-flight demonstration at
the Indianapolis Zoo.  5/25/2019 dwm photo

When we lived in Indianapolis, one of its crown jewels was the zoo.  Since we left, its reputation and importance has grown.

It is also more of a showplace than I recalled.

We went to the zoo on a recent trip to the Hoosier state and were impressed.

The exhibits thoughtfully display animals in a natural environment, but not as a spectacle.

The animals are living reminders of nature's fragile balance which seems out of whack thes days.  The hope is that by seeing some of the critters with whom we share the planet, we are encouraged to take better care of it.

One of several Giraffes in the Giraffe and Gazelle exhibit.
5/25/2019 dwm photo

To that end, the Indianapolis Zoo is part of the "Species Survival Plan" which co-operates with other zoos and aquariums in preserving threatened and endangered animals.

After entering the main gate, we walked to the Bicentennial Pavilion which is new since 2012 and caught the end of a bird show.  I saw Hornbills and even a Chicken on short flights.

Then stars of the show arrived; from their area several blocks away a dozen Macaw parrots took center stage in a burst of color.

A Sloth peers at guests
in line to see him.
5/25/2019 (dwm)

While feeding the birds, the naturalist said the birds stayed as long as they like, then fly home.  A couple minutes later, one took off and soon a squadron was airborne (upper right).

They are spectacular.

Nearby were less dynamic, but not less interesting creatures - Sloths.

I learned their extreme slowness is defensive mechanism.  Since predators look for movement, the languid animals avoid detection.  They are literally so slow, algae grows on their fur as they live among the tree-tops.

Signs at the display indicate a Sloth could be a great partner for a long road trip.  They only go to the bathroom once a week!

An African Elephant at the Indianapolis Zoo. 5/25/19 (dwm)

The Zoo is more than the animals ensconced along the White River.  It is about conservation.

That is why the Indianapolis Prize was created in 2006.  It is awarded every two years.  The first winner has a Wisconsin flavor with an international impact - George W Archibald the creator of the International Crane Foundation near Baraboo.

The most recent recipient is Russell Mittermeier, who studies primates, tortoises, and turtles for Global Wildlife Conservation.

An Orangutan about half-way up
a large steel beam high above its home.
5/25/2019   dwm photo

The prize was joined several years ago with an award for wildlife ambassadors.  It is named for the first winner - Jane Alexander.  She was joined in 2016 by Sigourney Weaver and Harrison Ford in 2018.

The animals are the stars on the ground, supported by the crew, researchers, scientists, advocates in central Indiana and around the world trying to preserve the species for future generations.

This kid guesses kids of all ages will enjoy the experience and learn something, too.