My holidays are unfortunately nearing an end, so I’m trying to enjoy the couple of days I have left.

So, today was spent having lunch in Hahndorf, and then going to the zoo. It’s been ages since I went to the zoo, but I particularly wanted to go today to check out the Human Zoo. Just in case you can’t be bothered clicking the link, here’s an excerpt from the page explaining what it’s about:

Concept
Over the period of one month in January 2007, a group of humans will be locked in an unused Adelaide Zoo primate exhibit for observation by all. This brave group of volunteers will become ~

The HUMAN ZOO

This project aims to

  • Create awareness of the closeness of humans to their primate cousins
  • Provide a platform for research on animal behaviour and enrichment
  • Raise awareness for the conservation needs of primates in the wild
  • Raise funds to build Australia’s largest chimpanzee exhibit at Monarto Zoological Park in South Australia

How The Human Zoo works
Application close 4th December 2006. 100 chosen Humans will undertake auditions at Adelaide Zoo on 11th and 12th of December in the Primate exhibit in front of a judging panel: public invited to come and watch. We are looking for outgoing fun people who have a passion to help conservation.

Lock-in commences 2nd January 2007, with each group of 6 being locked in for the period of one week.

One of the reasons I wanted to go was curiosity, but also because we know one of the people in there.

So anyway, the Human Zoo was OK but it wasn’t anything exciting. The people were just sitting around squirting observers with water pistols, so we didn’t stay long.

I must say that the zoo has improved considerably since I used to go when I was little. The enclosures are far better, and it just seems greener and a more pleasant place to go. While we were wandering around, we came across the otters, and there was one otter doing the cutest thing! I got some of it on video: