A visit to the Emperor Valley Zoo


Hi Folks,

Normally, I would not do a post about a zoo, I mean what is so culturally special about a zoo???  However, listening to some of my Caribbean friends about their excitement to visit the zoo made me understand just how much I take these things for granted.   Located in Port of Spain, situated on 7.2 acres of hill land and has lots of flora, which enhance the landscape.  Carrying a wide range of animals, birds, fishes and reptiles which are both local and from around the world.


Our very own Crocodile hunter. Source: zstt.org

As a child, visiting the zoo was a magical experience, seeing so many new species of life and a crocodile and alligator up close was both terrifying and intriguing, not to mention the snakes, who knew they are so big.  The aquarium room on the other hand was a challenge as we try to impress our friends by pretending to know the names of each species.  Seeing the Otter frolic and do tricks, or wondering if the white Bengal Tigers will jump that short fence and get you or bite the hands of the volunteer who is feeding them.  Huge Lions, Giraffe, insects, spiders and parrots who speaks back to you, the humming bird habitat is particularly calming.

There are of course, lots more to say about the zoo but what I have come to learn is Trinidad has one of the best zoo in the Caribbean and short of visiting America, where else can some see such animals in person while working on a budget.  Even the adults feel like kids at the zoo, though the uphill walk and rude red bottom monkeys tend to remind one they are not a child.


Flamingo habitat. Source: zstt.org

After visiting the zoo, which takes, at least half the day – you can head over to the Botanic garden, which is simply beautiful.  The president’s residence is located in the Botanic garden and as far as Botanic gardens go, the one in Trinidad is certainly a spectacle, much more enjoyable than, there I say others in the Caribbean.  Huge forest trees (some 10 feet in diameter) included which gives shade from the sun and the flora is breathtaking.  You can always see couples picnicking or newlywed taking pictures of their special day.


Botanic Garden. Source: tntisland.com

Even if you are visiting from North America or Europe, a visit to the Emperor Valley Zoo will certainly be worth it, the species found there are indigenous to the region and South America.  The kids would not be able to see some of those species back home, nor will they be able to enjoy a snow cone with condense milk (a sweet treat made with crushed ice and thick syrup and covered in thick milk for extra sweetness). 
v

Comments

  1. KikiApril 28, 2018 at 6:14 PM

    I love the giraffes.

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownApril 30, 2018 at 9:06 AM

    Makes me remember the field trips of my primary school days.

    ReplyDelete
  3. NRApril 30, 2018 at 9:35 PM

    Thanks for the read. That pic of the Botanic gardens just give me the inspiration to visit it.

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownMay 2, 2018 at 8:30 PM

    I remember my trips to the zoo always use to see the alligator with his mouth wide open always thought he was a statue until one day he closed his mouth lol I like the monkeys they're always so entertaining

    ReplyDelete

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