beijing

A male Tibetan gazelle at Beijing Zoo. He was pacing the side of his enclosure because a female was in the adjacent pen. Taken 19 Aug 2008.

A male Reeve's pheasant at Beijing Zoo. This species is endemic to China and endangered in the wild. Taken in the zoo's Pheasant Garden on 19 Aug 2008.

To give you an idea of scale, the Marine Mammal Pavilion shown here is just a small part of Beijing Aquarium. It is used for animal performances featuring 4 bottlenose dolphins and 3 California sealions. There are 3 performances each day. Taken 19 Aug 2008.

Beijing Zoo keeps a pair of black (or Yunnan) snub-nosed monkeys in the Golden Monkey House. In 2008 they had a single offspring. Taken 19 Aug 2008.

The big cat house at Beijing Zoo, grandly known as Lion and Tiger Mountain, is a hideous building. Rows of caged lions, tigers, jaguars and pumas pace in their concrete cells. Taken 19 Aug 2008.

The Gorilla House at Beijing Zoo actually houses 3 species of great ape: gorillas, orangs and chimps. This is the gorilla enclosure, typically dark, cramped and sterile. Taken 19 Aug 2008.

Beijing Zoo's Golden Monkey House is a striking geodesic dome structure and houses all three species of snub-nosed langur: the golden (Rhinopithecus roxellana), black (R. bieti) and gray (R. brelichi). All are native to China and found nowhere else. Taken 19 Aug 2008.

A giant panda at Beijing Zoo. I watched this panda make a very thorough investigation of its climbing frame. This involved rolling around and dangling upside down by its back legs: a clumsy but controlled gymnast. Taken 19 Aug 2008.

A forlorn looking caged dalmation at the Children's Zoo in Beijing Zoo. Screened off during my visit, this row of enclosures held many breeds of dog. Visitors used to be able to hire them out for a walk. Taken 19 Aug 2008.

The huge mural at the entrance to Beijing Aquarium. Taken on 19 Aug 2008.

The Acipenser Sinensis Exhibit at Beijing Aquarium. Taken on 19 Aug 2008.