Argentina's "Interactive" Zoo

By - 305 words

Language

Reading Level

Listen to Article

Located 70 miles from Buenos Aires , the Capital of Argentina, the Lujan Zoo is being called many things - wild, irresponsible and even dangerous. However officials here simply call it - 'The World's first interactive Zoo.'

That's because this unusual place allows visitors to 'interact' freely with all their animals - even the wild cats!

On the surface, a trip to the Lujan Zoo, feels like any other Zoo. For a $7 USD fee, visitors can walk around and admire a number of animals, ranging from deer to llama to ducks and rabbits. Also, just like any other trendy Zoo, this one too offers camel and elephant rides.

However, step near the caged wild animal area, and you will start to see a difference. Instead of peering at a lion, tiger or cheetah from a distance, the Zoo allows visitors to hang with them - inside their cages, if they so wish!

They can ride abreast a lion or feed milk to a baby tiger, or better still - cuddle up with a real bear. It's all not only possible, but encouraged.

In fact, the girl in the picture, said that she and her friend were allowed to hang out at the Zoo after it closed. She then got to feed milk to a tiger, directly from her hand. She also held a monkey that was chewing gum! For the grand finale, she and her friend went on a VIP train ride, to take a closer look at a number of tractors that are scattered all around the Zoo.

As you would expect, this unusual practice is creating some tension amongst animal experts around the world, who believe that the Zoo's actions are irresponsible and dangerous - On the other hand, the visitors seem to love it!

What do you think? Be sure to add your comments below.

sources: telegraph.co.uk,travelbuddy.com

Cite Article
Geography
98 Comments
  • csf0116
    csf0116over 12 years
    omg is right sister
    • mich
      michover 12 years
      OMG that is all that what I can say!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) :) :) :)
      • nicole
        nicolealmost 13 years
        i wanna go there :O
        • piratepalalmost 13 years
          i think this is the best idea ever i want to go now!!!!!!!!
          • Mereabout 13 years
            The animals living conditions don't look ver good. They're in a chain linked fence enclosure with concrete! Thats no natural at all!
            • Popoabout 13 years
              I want to go to that zoo:D
              • SMWover 13 years
                I think this is a great opportunity for man and animal to learn more about each other. Instead of man vs animal. Also they probably raised the animals from when they were young, so the only reason they let you interact with them is because the animals are trained really well.
                • nerd the wordover 13 years
                  thats sooo scary i would never have a bear bite my arms ewwwwww!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
                  • megan1over 13 years
                    i wish i could do that
                    • BB Bearover 13 years
                      i woun't to go thar