Granted it was a holiday today, MLK Day, I have never seen crowds like this at Our Zoo! Years ago when I used to visit on Saturdays, or other holiday/event days, I'd ask when leaving, how many? I remember a couple times being told 6000. If that was accurate, I'd bet today rivaled that number.
After writing and publishing that post this morning, I was about a half-hour behind schedule for leaving the house today. After doing a few things, I didn't end up leaving until after 10:00. Then I got something to eat and it was 11:00. Feeling like the day was shot for starting my long list of errands, I decided to just get my Zoo walk in, that I had planned for tomorrow.
I calendar and clock times for each stop I make on my days out. Considering I only like to be out three days a week four maximum if absolutely necessary, I work on this puzzle for several days to fit everything in, as my goal is always too get home as early as possible. So I don't like wasting any time when I'm out, and by 11:30 I was wondering why I even left the house.
So just after 11:00 I turn from 45th onto Sloat and it was gridlock. Cars packed from a couple blocks behind me all the way down to the beach turn around and back up the eastbound side as far as the overflow parking up at Skyline. The lot was full and hordes of people were literally packing the sidewalk and entrance. So, there was no way I was getting into that situation.
After taking a couple of photos, I realized as I often do, that I was positioned to see this and document it. Considering the recent news articles that have repeated the Zoo's alleged low attendance, and more so, that people don't want the current Zoo model, preferring the proposed EcoPark Fantasy. As I circled around a couple times to try and get better photos, this was increasingly not what I was seeing. As I headed away from the congestion, I passed the overflow parking lot and didn't see one vacant space.
Clearly the Zoo going public is speaking with attendance, and despite the destruction the former Director left Our Zoo in, it is still a very much loved and cherished destination.
Zoos are so important! People - kids especially - need to see animals in order to care about them. They need to feel a connection, and a zoo visit can provide that experience.
ReplyDeleteWho wants to visit an EcoPark to see animals they can see in the park? I understand wanting a refuge for rescued animals - I want to save every animal we can - but I’m not sure a model like that can be sustained.
The future of species survival depends on zoos, and caring about them is a huge component of it. I’m happy to hear so many visitors were there today!