Question: What do you do in Doha on your day off when bored out of your skull? Answer: Go to the zoo!
And that’s exactly what we did Wednesday. Joined by Amal, we three embarked on a mini-trip to examine the offerings of Qatar’s national zoo. We really had a good time, as the weather was exceptionally beautiful and we all longed for an outing in the open-air, where you could see green and smell the grass.
What fascinated me the most at the zoo was the elephants, particularly this lovely Indian one, all dressed up and looking proud. The colorful and skillful drawings on this (we believe) Indian elephant were really something else. She (assuming it was a she) looked like a bride on her wedding night, very elegant, very flirtatious and very happy.
Other species that caught my attention were the graceful zebras, the remarkable giraffes, the active baboons and some of the small peculiar little creatures kept inside.[Click here or the photo album for the menagerie.]
If you end up in this part of the world, a visit to the zoo is definitely worth your money and time. We had a wonderful time and will likely make it back again.
Dear Natasha, I just love the pic above of the elegant Indian elephant eating. Would you possibly be able to send me a high resolution version of the image? Kind regards, Charlotte
Dear Natasha, Id like to use your photos at my website, which has the wordls largest online database abut elephants. How can I credit the photographer properly? (Youll find contact details at the site)
Uhm a zoo in Doha…that’s overkill I think. When I want to see what the world has to offer in terms of non-human species I go to the aptly named City Centre.
Uhm, okay maybe a little harsh…eh, Tasha?
Hi Uncle Al,
Great to hear from you. Hope to see more of you around here. Regards to your super wife… the great Aunt K;-)
I so enjoyed our day at the zoo. The weather and the green — grass, trees and bushes — were fantastic; the zoo was quite respectable.
But I have to point out a sad fact about those wonderful elephants. The loss of habitat for the Asian elephant plus the poaching for ivory (those tusks might weigh up to 50kg each) and meat are seen as a “serious problem” in many Asian countries, according to the World Wildlife Federation and a new report it published on the rapid disappearance of species.
The population of the Asian elephant (that big sucker in the menagerie) is currently between 35,000 and 50,000 in the wild. That is perhaps 1/10th of the current African elephant population.
Right you are…Indian elephants have smaller ears than African elephants. Of course it helps when you have two of them standing side by side, I suppose.
Am enjoying your blogging. Say hi to that worthless husband of yours 😉
Uncle Al
Welcome back Ammeen. Looking forward to seeing the pix and reading about your adventure;-)
Sounds awesome..If I’m ever in Doha I’ll be sure to go… just got back from the Clinton Presidential Center opening. Will post my pics tom. Read your blog from Little Rock =)