Insect Kingdom

We went to what's called the 'Natural Insect Kingdom' today. This museum is also located next to the Shanghai Aquarium and underneath the Pearl [broadcasting] Tower, which is, in itself, a tourist attraction. I have to say that the Pearl Tower is quite magnificent when you are standing beneath it...it's windows and reflective parts have rose colored tint, making it look like a large, elaborate, knitting needle. I will attach a pic when I can find one.

Anyway, the boys' summer school had a field trip to the Insect Kingdom today, but only for Brandon's age group. Since I wasn't entirely thrilled about Brandon jumping onto a bus in, who knows what kind of condition, with a driver who drives like everyone else here, and no seat belts...I decided to drive behind the bus in our own van where I know both kids are strapped in tightly.

I wish I had taken pictures, but I had NO IDEA what kind of day this would be with both boys and adding the camera wasn't practical today. As I mentioned before, Shanghai isn't known for their ramps and elevator accessibility, so I didn't even know for sure if I could take our stroller. I already had snacks, purse, water bottle and diaper bag in tow. AND I didn't know how busy it would be or if I would be lugging a folded up stroller in addition to everything else because my driver would disappear to find parking or drive around until we were done. So..SORRY Auntie and Grandparents! Next time though! :)

It turned out to be a fantastic trip! The "bug" museum is filled with all kinds of insects, but also has reptiles, amphibians, jelly fish, komodo dragons (I think) or at least a smaller version of them, fish, birds, domestic pets, very small primates (the smallest in the world in fact), and lots of other things. It also has a stage for wildlife "shows" and a semi-play area. The gift shop is also pretty big. The reason I interjected the "I think" part above, is because all the descriptions of the animals were their Latin names...everything else about the name was in Chinese. Although, they did have the location and characteristic(s) of the animals in both English and Chinese.

The upper floor (entrance to the museum) has a wooden walkway over water with fish and other animals to look at, and ends up at the primates and snakes. Around the corner from these, is a large selection of all kinds of insects. All the cages appeared to be clean and well taken care of. It's amazing that certain types of cockroaches still look so much like trilobites did millions of years ago...their ancestral cousins? I'm not an entomologist, folks! Or a paleontologist if you want to get technical!

Downstairs (no elevator), is where most of the action is! This is where most of the animals are housed and they have made it look "jungly" with artificial foliage covering the fluorescent lights, etc. There are also parts of this area they have made to look "natural" along the walls, ceiling, etc. Both floors, fortunately for me, had enough space to wheel a stroller. Although both sets of stairs to get in and out were steep and numerous, especially with a stroller!

Are the cages clean? Yes! Are they spacious enclosures so that the animals don't feel caged? No! But, they do appear adequate. And, of course, they have wall after wall of encased bugs that were probably killed in the name of education. It was very interesting to see all the different types, both alive and dead.

They also had a section dedicated to domestic pets...which was really cool for the younger kiddos...less intimidating! This section had bunnies, guinea pigs, two goats, mice, etc. For 2 yuan, you could feed some of the animals, including two goats.

Brandon's favorites were all the fish, the giant owl and the goats. :) Oh, he tells me he also liked snack time and going across the bridge in the semi-play area.

Ryan's favorites were the small monkeys, guinea pigs, bunnies, fish, turtles...and he wouldn't get anywhere NEAR the snakes! Seriously, he kept his distance to about 4 feet from the glass! No matter what I did to persuade him! haha

Mom's favorite? My kids' attentiveness for a couple of hours!! Oh...the animals?! Ah, I also liked the big boa constrictor and the little monkeys were so cool...I want one! I liked seeing the resemblance of ancient trilobites with the contemporary cockroaches (live ones).

The teachers were able to look after Brandon and show him around with the rest of the class and I got to spend some quality time with Ryan, which was so nice. Without having to keep one eye on Brandon constantly, I was able to really show Ryan all the cool stuff! I loved it!

The museum was not very busy on a Friday morning, so overall, it was a good trip! :) We will definitely be going back! I'll take pictures next time, I promise! :)