Things can be quite tame in the great wildlife
pandas. This is only partly true. While the Chinese probably never adopted them as pets because they leave awful black and white stains on the couch, they are remarkably useless otherwise as well.
Most of the time, sitting on their lazy asses, their low desire to procreate is baffling. Certainly considering they are at risk of extinction. Pandas can't even be relied on for their own survival. I will let that sink in.
Pandas can't be seen in the wild anymore. The closest they get is a breeding reserve in Chengdu. Considering the gastronomic delights the city has to offer, in which Sichuan pepper gives dishes their distinct flavour, it is a shame to see pandas limit themselves to bamboo.
Animals either confined or in the wild often prove to be disappointing, though. Once visiting Kruger Park in South Africa, we realised this all too well. Being driven around in a mini truck, with back benches installed at different levels, we were all guaranteed an uninterrupted view of the African wilderness unfolding itself in front of us, as if attending a Taylor Swift concert.
Lions lazily licked their paws, antelopes darted in front of the vehicle, zebras continued grazing without further ado. The occasional giraffe stuck its neck out to see who was approaching. It was all impossibly dull. No lion seemed remotely inclined to turn an impala into an afternoon snack. No monkey appeared interested in adding some entertainment to this long day out in the sun.
Meanwhile, the other passengers were incredibly busy checking off all
