lanterns coming down

Outside a food court building, going anti-clockwise, the wiring and the lantern stands are being disconnected and taken down; or the noodles were poisoned.

Outside the rhino enclosure, one of a group of lantern rhinos. For the fourth year, Cleveland Zoo has an impressive and large display of lantern sculptures. Of course, they are Chinese; but with two currents of semantic politics, they are advertised as "Asian", just as Chinatowns, with more rationale, are labelled "Asiatowns", so as to be more inclusive, and to divert attention from China. This year, the Pittsburgh Zoo had a similar event, and Cleveland's management was upset. This long summer promotion brings income, and those in charge are jealous of others getting into the act. Although out of state visitors may come to the zoo, it is really a local, and regional draw.

The zoo has become more of an amusement park, than an animal park. There are fewer animals, and more diversions. Over a series of years, they have expanded habitats for highlighted animals:  new enclosures for the elephants, tigers, and the most recent—rhinoceroses. They have removed the bird building, monkey island, the greenhouse. There is a movie theatre, a carousel, and a banquet hall.

One good thing about the installation is that teaches, and showcases something new to many. This is one of two kylin chimeras there. To quote its lantern description board, "It has the body of a deer, horns of a dragon, feet of a horse and tail of an ox." Further, it mentions it is the lead of the "four spirits". The others being, tortoise, dragon, and phoenix.

This gorilla looks formidable. He could stay for the Hallowe'en cast.

This is a night time interactive prop. This pentagon shed amplifies sound, and the metallic mirror surfaces are fascinating to see.

Many years ago, i saw a cartoon in der Spiegel (German news magazine). A caged panda says, he doesn't think this is a world to bring up children in.

Seeing other peoples fotos of the lanterns, the cobra tunnel was the stand out.

Across from the elephant enclosure, there are lanterns in the conifers.