William Zoos excite in me mixed emotions. On one hand, when done well, they provide a wonderful discovery experience, particularly for children (drive-through parks, such as https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/animal-kingdom/#/sort=alpha/ , at least provide a semblance of the creature’s natural habitat); when done poorly, the are sense-killing life sentences for sentient creatures (see Kumamoto Zoo - or, actually, don’t). I’d heard of Aso’s “Cuddly Dominion” but hadn’t given it much thought until I came across this article: https://travel.gaijinpot.com/aso-cuddly-dominion/ The word “cuddly” should have been a tip-off: the last thing even a domestic animal wants to do is be “cuddled” all day by strangers, which apparently is what this park encourages (and fortunately, they are mostly domestic). The ultimate curse I devised when my kids were young was “May you be reborn as a kindergarten hamster.” I’d like to know if any of our readers have been there and, if so, what your impressions are.
William Zoos excite in me mixed emotions. On one hand, when done well, they pro…