An Nauman Zoo/Barka Zoo

I recently came across this zoo in Barka and thought I might like to organise a school trip as we're exploring animals in the first term. So I decided to visit beforehand and see what it was like and if it was suitable for the children.

Firstly my friend and I chose the wrong time of the year to visit. It was sweltering and I could only imagine what the animals might have been feeling too. I think we both paid 1 rial each and then entered the zoo.

Upon arrival it actually seemed okay, clean and spacious but then we visited the first room which showcased some varieties of fish, snakes and oddly enough kittens. I didn't feel comfortable with the kittens as they're not an animal you would normally see in a zoo. It would have been different had they had a small animals area where you could handle them. But they looked exhausted and as if hey had fleas.

Moving on we saw a few types of birds who were in a reasonable state. As we walked around the corner there were monkeys, pigeons, dogs, birds, lizards and more cats. I think the dogs sufferred the most as they looked as though they hadn't been cared for properly at all. I'm not an animal expert although I have cared for pets when I was younger and could easily identify sick or ill animals.

Also at the zoo we're lions and a tiger as well a donkeys, goats and camels. Again they looked a little malnourished and could have been seen to by a vet.

I've read from reviews how people have said it should be shut down and that you shouldn't visit it. However it is important for people to raise the awareness of the zoo and help the owner change and maintain more suitable provisions for the animals in his care. There is so much potential for Barka Zoo if only the owner invested more into it. Then I'm sure the animals would be better cared for and it would attract more people. 

I think first and foremost the owner must get the animals seen to by a fully qualified vet. Then he needs to ensure the animals are cared for my qualified staff or at least get training for the people who work there. He definitely needs to make the enclosures bigger with a stimulative environment for the animals.  It's a massive job but he really needs to start quickly if Barka Zoo is to have any healthy animals on show for children.

So unfortunately I won't be organising a trip with my class as I think it would be distressing for them. 

I hope you enjoyed reading my post.

Sara xx

Travel Diaries #9 Maldives

So I've been MIA! After Ramadan it was Eid which technically fell on my birthday. However Oman decided to celebrate it a day later than the rest of the world which was to be expected! Anyhow I was on my travels to the Maldives for Eid but also for my 30th birthday.

I flew from Oman to Qatar and then onto Male. The flight was swift and comfortable which is always nice especially when you get more legroom. Upon arrival it was very easy to get to the seaplane terminal. The staff were couteous and extremely helpful. It seemed as though I was on a bus full of Italians to the sea place terminal. The only downside was waiting 2 hours for my flight to Hukuraa Huraa. 

Once I arrived at the Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa resort I was offered a welcome drink and then had to wait to sign some for and pay for the sea plane. It was quite quick and then I finally got to my overwater sea bungalow. I was so amazed and in awe of just how beautiful the Maldives were. It was raining at that point and I was tired from traveling so I took a shower and slept for a few hours.

In my package I should mention I found a great deal on expedia in a 4/5 star resort which was all inclusive not to mention I was staying in an overwater bungalow too. So I'd highly recommend booking via expedia.co.uk.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner was plentiful and there was a vast array of foods and cuisines to suit everyone staying at the resort. Aside from the three main meals there were also snacks available at the bar twice a day. I didn't actually go for any as I was full once I'd eaten my meals for the day.

Whilst I was there I went snorkeling twice in the house reef which was amazing as it was my first time. Unfortunately due to climate change much of the coral had been bleached but the variety of tropical fish was pretty amazing and I really want to snorkel in Oman now.

Overall I felt very looked after and I had a relaxing holiday and birthday. It was an enjoyable break and I would definitely visit again! Thanks to Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa for making my time thoroughly enjoyable. I'll leave you with some photographs of my travels.

I hope you enjoyed reading my post.

Love and Blessings,

Sara