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Zoological Gardens

From ThornsWiki

Main article: Vienda

The King’s Zoological Garden is a park situated around a bend in the river in Uptown Vienda. The garden has a zoo and arboretum, many gently curving paths, and a narrow beach along the riverbank. Contrary to popular belief, the King for whom the garden is named is not King Taelin, but King Romelius II.

As a public space, the zoo has no entry fee. Anyone may visit.

Zoo and Arbor

Exotic animals, as well as domestic ones, are on display at the zoo, ready to be gawped at by human and galdor alike. The dangerous animals, like lions, tigers, and bears are kept in small cages with thick iron bars to prevent their escape. However, the herd animals, garmon, kenser, and moa, are given an entire acre to roam. Water tanks contain the aquatic animals, the most popular being the tropical fish from the Muluku Islands, the dolphins, and the otters. The glass aviary, the entrance of which is flanked by statues of mythical Aerra, houses colorful whice, numerous butterflies, and a Hoxian condor, the largest flying bird known to Anaxas.

Lately, rumors have arisen hinting at poor treatment of the animals, but zoo officials have stated they take great pains to ensure their stock are healthy and happy. The truth, however, is not as simple as officials make it out to be--budget cuts from the government have forced them to cut corners here and there. Substandard feed, fewer janitorial shifts, and shifty “veterinarians” have contributed to a recent decline in conditions.

Moon Beach

Moon Beach, named for its crescent shape, is a narrow strip of sand along the bank of the Arova River. In the summer, it is a popular spot for picnics, bathing, and building sand castles.

Boathouse

In a large covered dock, dubbed simply “the Boathouse,” the public can rent boats, of varying capacity and luxury, to paddle upon the Arova river. A small, simple rowboat is easily affordable, but a party barge with all the frills, even rented for one night, costs more than the typical factory worker makes in a year. Recently, the Boathouse has expanded its offerings beyond water conveyances. Bicycles are now available, which people may ride on the many cobbled paths that crisscross the park.

Doyle Island

A pleasant place to have a picnic, Doyle Island is a short boat trip from the beach. Trees and hedges line the circumference of the island, and have grown so thick over the years that they form an effective sound wall. Were it not for the inescapable smell of soot in the air, one could almost forget they were in the city. A marble gazebo with a dome sits at the top of the island’s gentle hill, a mausoleum to King Romelius II, complete with large bronze statue.

The island is also known as a hot spot for illicit dealings, as The Seventen rarely patrol it at night.