Chicago: Lincoln Park Zoo and Osaka Garden (XI)

Hello Pinmapplers!

One more time, we continue on our journey through Chicago, a spectacular city, full of iconic places that amaze us. The great city of architecture also has places where you can connect with nature.

We have enjoyed the unique skyline, tall buildings and even taller buildings, stylish houses, industrial bridges, modern structures, fountains and much more. Also breathtaking views, fun places like the amusement park or sports stadiums, and interesting museums. And we have relaxed with a few walks in one of its most popular parks full of more amazing and very special sculptures, because we do not escape in the natural urban spaces from that unique imprint of the windy city either. Or maybe yes?

If we want nature there, we don't have to go very far, not even to the outskirts to suddenly feel far away. In the heart of the city, we can walk even on a pleasant walk (well, it always depends on the weather around here) to the north. From downtown itself, the most touristy area, bordering Lake Shore with views of Lake Michigan as usual, so without realizing it we came across an unexpected natural green space. There's the Zoo!

Lincoln Park Zoo

I must say that I really don't like zoos very much because the animals are not in their natural ecosystem but current zoos are better, and as far as possible the animals are well cared for and try to make them as comfortable and adapted as possible. In any case, they told me to visit it and it was worth it.

I was surprised because I certainly did not expect that in the heart of a normal neighbourhood, a good neighbourhood, there would appear all that great space that houses such a variety of natural species and animals. And there I fell in love with the adorable red panda, the first time I saw one, although it was not easy to take a picture of it. Some areas had more protection than others.

But we can see almost any animal, from imposing carnivores like lions and tigers that seemed to be thankfully calm, to gentle giraffes or sleepy hippos. A rhino too. And much more... like kanguros or zebras. And the friendly monkeys or gorillas!

But also birds and even an aquarium area where there are more than fishes, even a polar bear.

Not only animals, also a part for plants, and many flowers that were inside and outside, also around, around small lakes, I imagine artificial to house smaller aquatic animals. A whole great ecosystem inserted in a space surrounded not far by tall buildings, and on the other side the lake.

And all that gives us the feeling of not being in the city, but almost on safari or in a jungle. What a magical trip.

But it doesn't end there, there are always surprises and more to see in Chicago. And if we want more relaxation, even a certain zen peace, it is best to go in the opposite direction, to the south, further this time and surprise, a Japanese park appears out of nowhere.

Osaka Garden

Osaka Garden, a quiet space where you can leave your mind blank while crossing bridges and arches, decorations and architecture from or inspired by the Far East. We travel on the trip again, we feel that we are far away again, but everything is inside Chicago.

There are always interesting and wonderful things and corners to discover in this very special and unique city. There are fewer and fewer places to visit on our trip, but there are still some more, once again fantastic, unique and unforgettable, in Chicago. Stay tuned...

Fall in love with Chicago, you'll see more...

Chicago, Illinois, US - Part XI

More here:

• Chicago: memories, views and skylines (I)

• Chicago: the city of architecture (II)

• Chicago: elevated views at the Hancock Tower (III)

• Chicago: Millenium Park and The Bean (IV)

• Chicago: let's have fun at Navy Pier (V)

• Chicago: Crown and Buckingham Fountains in the parks (VI)

• Chicago: Museums to visit (VII)

• Chicago: Houses in Oak Park (VIII)

• Chicago: United Center and Wrigley Field! (IX)

• Chicago: from the river to the sky (X)

Thanks so much for reading! Have a funny and active day!

The text is totally mine by ©Duvinca and the photos are mine too

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