London Zoo Part II: Happy Families, Into Africa, and Birds

Near the Rainforest Life/Nightlife building at the London Zoo is a section known as "Happy Families", probably because the species that it exhibits are all gregarious.

This is an Alaotran bamboo lemur. Despite being a bamboo lemur, it feeds mainly on reeds rather than bamboo. In the wild it has an extremely restricted distribution even for a lemur, only found around parts of Lake Alaotra.

Some Asian small-clawed otters. Though this species is ubiquitous in zoos (to the fatigue of some regular zoogoers), they were so cooperative during my visit that I couldn't help but snap a few photos.

Their exhibit is quite well-decorated, too.

Also in the same general area of the zoo is Into Africa, essentially the obligatory spotlight on charismatic African megafauna. To its credit, there are a few relatively rarely-seen species on display, such as this okapi.

Additionally, spot the red forest duiker!

Naturally, however, I was most interested in seeing the zoo's bird collection, so I headed to the northern edge of the zoo where there several species are exhibited. Unfortunately, due to recent reports of avian influenza in Europe, the zoo's walkthrough aviaries (of which there are several) were closed during my visit. Regardless, I was able to photograph this green peafowl from outside one of the aviaries.

A tawny frogmouth, which resembles a broken tree branch when at rest and a Muppet when wide awake.

An Edwards's pheasant.

Some northern white-faced owls, which have gained some fame as the "transformer owl".

In fact, here is one in its "camouflage pose".

Some northern red bishops, a type of weaverbird.