Zooropa
It’s day three and we (I) decide we’re going to the town of Delft because it will be nice (Misssy’s read “Girl with a Pearl Earring” and wants to see Vermeer’s house).
However, en route we see a sign with an elephant on it and the word “Blijdop”. A quick scan through the guide book reveals nothing so we decide to investigate. I am also having pangs of guilt at dragging my kids round medieval Delft which will make me as bad as my folks who used to drag me round historical places of interest that had no swing parks. If Blijdop is a zoo, then to the zoo we will go. (Don’t judge me!)
It is. We pay to get in. It is 65 Euros for the four of us. Eeek!
And so it begins.
Meeester: For 65 Euros there better be animals shagging.
Misssy: For 65 Euros I want to take a free monkey home.
Meeester: Bugger that, for 65 Euros I want the choice of any animal to be cooked for me.
Misssy: For 65 Euros I want to be allowed to do an Attenborough with the Gorillas.
Meeester: For 65 Euros I want the entire Circle of Life opening sequence of the Lion King re-enacted with real lion cubs and monkeys.
Indy: For 65 Euros there better be freak animals like in the Mighty Boosh’s Zooniverse (too cool for school that one)
Misssy: For 65 Euros I want to waterski using two dolphins as skis and then ride on the back of a tiger
Meeester: For 65 Euros I want to be driving away in the car and then see the gaping jaws of an approaching Tyranasaurus Rex in my side mirror
Indy: For 65 Euros I want to see a dodo.
Junior Misssy: I want chips!
Turns out, this is the best zoo in the world. Realistic large environments, very educational, and many of the animals given free rein. Puts any other zoo I’ve ever visited to shame. Most zoos make me feel sad. This one doesn’t*. We have a great day.
And they re-enact the entire opening sequence of the Lion King after all.
Which was lovely!
Oh and Meeester got today’s rude sign:
* Note to Gorilla Bananas. I did feel quite sad when I saw a family of gorillas. They were relocated to an area shared by monkeys whilst their new Gorilla World was being built. Mum, Dad, kid and new baby were kind of in a small council flat whilst they were waiting for Wimpey to finish their four bedroom semi. I thought of you back in the Congo with all that space…
