The second half of the draw starts off with a clash between two German heavyweights, and with an intriguing subject: reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates. This might be the most challenging opponent a seed has faced. The concept behind this poll is explained here: ZooChat Cup In summary, the rules of the game are as follows: - You may choose whatever criteria you like to decide how to vote, as long as it only relates to the category above. - You can use whatever resources you like to inform your vote, including Zoolex, Zootierliste, the ZooChat gallery, trip reviews, zoo maps, books and wherever else. You don't have to have visited both zoos to vote. - Votes are public and can be changed at any time before the poll closes. - The aim of the game is to provoke debate. Post explaining why you voted the way you did, and why others should join you. - Voting closes in four days - The one thing you can't do is vote based on anything other than the relevant category
Wilhelma is the zoo in Stuttgart. And this is a very tough one given the collection of both aquarium buildings. Here is the collection of the Wilhelma: http://www.wilhelma.de/fileadmin/pdf/Angebote/2017/Wilhelma-Tierbestand-2016_web_klein.pdf
This is almost certainly Wilhelma’s strongest area; it’s just a pity that they’re up against possibly the best zoo in Europe for cold-blooded beasts. It’s a bit like Liverpool and Manchester City being drawn against each other in the Champions’ League - except that I love Berlin Zoo, and quite like Wilhelma, whilst wishing nothing but ill fortune to both Liverpool and City....
What *is* your team? Edit: looked at your profile. Portsmouth, eh. Pleased it's not one of those teams that buy success with Russian mafia cash or Gulf petrodollars.
Portsmouth are a team who have managed to achieve penury and near extinction through a Russian arms dealer’s ownership, as well as that of a “petrodollar” tycoon who has since been imprisoned for stealing from his wife. I’m not sure what we would be if we were a zoo - but it wouldn’t be a very good one, alas (even if it would be a very lovely one).
Hmm. Well, strictly speaking it remains true, nonetheless, that you have not bought success with Russian mafia money or Gulf petrodollars. But is this one of those times when it's the thought that counts?
Finally two zoos i have visited both. Unfortunately I had missed the aquarium and insectarium at Wilhelma as the buildings were already closed. I rather liked the discreetly integrated vivaria in the amazon house though. The Berlin aquarium/vivarium is excellent and imo the strongest part of the zoo - though I do feel parts of it could be improved considerably (e.g. by avoiding tacky photo-tapestry backgrounds). I'm guessing the clear verdict in votes does not appropriately reflect, how close this match-up actually is. Then again, the Berlin aquarium is wonderfully unique. Btw: does Wilhelma have free-ranging butterflies in its greenhouses? Wilhelma
In terms of collection, Stuttgart is certainly not worse than Berlin and for reptiles and possibly fish even better. The problem is that Stuttgart's Aquarium + Terrarium building lacks all the charm Berlin has and on average the tanks are a bit smaller....
