On Easter sunday, I went to the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C. with my family. The zoo has an incredible variety of amazing animals such as three pandas, one tiger, a whole entire lion pride with four cubs, and many more. I learned that the three pandas were the true rockstars of the zoo because since their debut in January of 2001, they have attracted more than ten million visitors. Also, Tai Shan, the zoo's panda cub is one of the record-breaking 25 surviving cubs born around the world. 
The zoo reminded me of "biophilia" and the many ways that humans attempt to domesticate wild animals. Although at the zoo, these animals do have space that emulates a wild setting, it is nowhere near similar to their natural environments. In the photo above, a giant asian elephant is bathing itself in a man-made pool filled with flowing water. In any natural environment this elephant would have had to walk to a river, stream, or small body of water to replenish and bathe itself. It was a great experience but also very humbling.
Tai Shan, the panda cub, was spotted walking through the various play rooms that the zoo holds for the animals. Though it was extremely interesting and fun to be that close to such a rare and beautiful animal, it was still very sad because it seemed like the panda knew "the drill" and was just performing the show he usually puts on for all the viewers throughout the zoo. Overall, it was a very fun experience and I hope to re-visit in the near future!
~Carsen Mata
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