Animals

Spent Sunday afternoon at London Zoo‘s “Gay Day”. Here’s what I wrote about it on Spoonfed:

Ah, London Zoo. It takes me back twenty years when I remembered staring up at a giant giraffe and feeling oh so very confused about why its legs and neck were so much longer than mine. Still, no difference there then. Now in its fifth year running, London Zoo have been cashing in on the Pink Pound by running their annual London Zoo Gay Day event. The day promises something a little more colourful with music, entertainment, a BBQ and cocktail bar thrown in for good measure. Sponsored by Gay Times, Diva Magazine and The Pink Paper, London Zoo Gay Day has the backing of the UK’s largest gay orientated media.

Initially I admit that I wasn’t sure what to expect. Firstly because I hadn’t been to the zoo for twenty years or so and secondly due to the God awful noises of numerous five year olds screaming. Confused at first that these parents were luring their children into the hedonistic boozy ways of the gays, I soon realised that the zoo was pretty much the same as every other day (brats and parents included). After a short jaunt around the Reptile House, we ventured off with excitement to the Pink Picnic Lawn. The lawn is situated next to the other cafés and was noticeably less colourful than one would expect from a gay day at the zoo. Whilst the BBQ was as expensive as one would expect from the zoo, it soon felt that once sat down, you were essentially in your own gay enclosure. Now of course, enclosures, this is what London Zoo are good at. But it does beg the question – is it really necessary to have a separate area where gays can buy booze and eat burgers together? Despite the innocent thinking behind the event, it all seems a little arbitrary?

There’s no doubt that the zoo in itself is impressive and its focus on conservation, entertainment and other issues helps captivate both kids and adults. The zoo’s extensive grounds allow its visitors to see a wide range of animals from all over the globe, with free talks and interactive activities for those that find themselves a little more hands-on. Personal favourites include the reptile and bug houses, where visitors can stroke friendly snakes, or agonise over their fear of the zoo’s huge tarantulas. With many of the billed talks and animal events happening regardless of Gay Day, it seems a little cheeky to throw in a few high-camp stilt walkers, a BBQ & booze and call this a day for the gays.

{ 0 comments }