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(Im)possible Chicago #18
Chicago


No longer just a regular plot tucked into a small corner of the city, Lincoln Park Zoo now zigzags through neighborhoods, suburban outlets and farmlands further afield. It even extends through the lake. To make this spaghettified zoo continuous, wildlife overpasses are spliced in.

Inner precincts once barren of biodiversity now teem with exotic species. From living rooms and kitchens, one can spy on the wildlife scampering around in their habitat enclosures. Day and night, the sonic ambience of jungles and savannas mingle with that of the city.

In the summer, the zoo's small herd of wildebeest undertake their annual migration, usually doing at least a few, dusty orbits. Then it's the elephants' turn. On rooftops, bleachers are erected for spectators to watch this natural spectacle, NASCAR-style.

While rare, animals do escape from time to time, and when that happens, news helicopters are dispatched immediately to follow the retrieval team. On the ground, reporters shadow their every move like wildlife filmmakers, even emulating the hushed timbre of David Attenborough during their live telecasts. It's always a top story, even if people aren't savagely attacked or an outbreak of a virulent disease isn't imminent.

3 COMMENTS —
  • who
  • July 28, 2011 at 6:08:00 AM CDT
  • I wonder if from that distance a person could guestimate body fat percentages and plot it to see where the most bountiful regions are?


  • arginine
  • August 1, 2011 at 9:48:00 AM CDT
  • Seems a little scary to live near those places.


  • Jones Falls Rhinoceros
  • August 1, 2011 at 9:08:00 PM CDT
  • Love it! This one ranks top on my list of favorite (Im)possible Chicagos, however, I'd classify this as possible.


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