A Zoo like No Other

If you ever wondered what a zoo in the States would look like if there were no lawyers or animal rights activists, head to Burma.  The Yangon Zoological Garden is quite a scene and was at the top of our places to revisit while in town.

When we visited in 2006 we were just amazed by the enclosures that the animals are kept it.  The Vietnam zoo looks like Fort Knox compared to the one in Yangon.  Most of the cages that the animals are kept in are within an arm’s length of the protective fences.  Sometimes not even that far.  During our visit I fed a deer, a monkey and an elephant.  It’s also possible to feed the hippos but it was a little too hot for them to leave the water when we walked past.

Feeding the elephants was the most amazing experience.  Ascending the stairs I saw the great giants lined up on the concrete pad swaying back and forth as if they were dancing for their treats.  A man in a small stand sold baskets of 8 bamboo sticks for just over $1.  As I finished purchasing the sticks the elephants let out a loud call as if they were shouting, “Give it to me!”  I didn’t have to reach far as the trunks began to extend and reach for their afternoon snack.  They took the bamboo very gently from my hand, tucked it into their mouth and then bellowed out a call asking for more.

As great of an experience as it was, it was also a little sad to see all the animals kept in such small cages.  The lions and tigers were in cages on concrete floors and the monkeys barely had any room to play and swing about.  It was captivating to watch the monkeys take the small cone Jell-O treats, rip off the lid and then push out the tasty treat inside.  Though it’s almost a cruel joke to hop them up on sugar and not give them a lot of space to work it off. 

Overall the issues that I have with the Yangon Zoo are very similar to the issues facing Burma today.  I’d like to see things change but at what cost will those changes affect the identity of a place I have grown to love.  On one hand the proximity to the animals makes it an incredible experience, however the conditions that the animals are forced to live in make it less ideal..  These are the paradoxes an emerging country faces every day.  

O-Burma How I Missed You

When I was hired to sail with SAS last year there was no port stop in Burma.  Technically there still isn’t since it is now officially recognized as Myanmar.  However in the words of J. Peterman, “You may know it as Myanmar, but it will always be Burma to me.”

I vividly recall the moment I found out our itinerary was changing and we were porting again in Yangon.  I had to get up from my cube and leave work to scream with excitement that was built up inside of me.  The first time I came here in 2006 was so special I couldn’t believe I was getting to go back.

Burma was the one port I guaranteed myself I’d come back to.  I thought it may take thirty years but I knew I’d be back.  There is something magical about this place.  Whether it’s the zen peacefulness of the pagodas or just the pure wonderfulness of the people, I could live here.  This trip back has not disappointed. 

Kelly and spent our time sweltering in the hot, hot Yangon days and nights.  We went back to many of the same places we did in 2006 and relived the wonderful country that is Burma.  We talked with some locals, ate some delicious meals and had another incredible time.  I’ll have more in the days ahead but for now here are some of my favorite pictures from our stay that I wish could have lasted for weeks instead of only a few days.  Mingalaba!