A time with the tortoise.

Any time that I have a chance to encounter the natural world in close range, I always find myself in awe of the beauty of nature. My most recent experience at the Kumasi Zoo was a gentle reminder of the quiet beauty nature has to offer to all of us. As I absorbed the calm environment of the zoo and met some of the largest animals on Earth, it was the giant tortoises that were lounging in their enclosure I found the most fascinating.

The tortoises were enormous, slow-moving animals that showed wisdom. They had two very heavy and rugged shells, and their movements were deliberate and powerful. As I stood there observing, I noticed the tortoises doing something that sparked fascination for me – mating. The whole interaction was calm, despite its intensity, and a natural celebration of life being renewed.

What struck me most about the tortoises was their age and strength. These tortoises had undeniably been alive for several decades, perhaps much more, and their size, conformation, and overall strong appearance compelled me to think about – and respect – how nature creates and sustains life in its many mysterious ways.

The zoo had provided the tortoises with a well-kept and comfortable habitat to exist in, and it was nice to see how cleanly and easily they were living. I must have lost track of time watching them because I spent far more time watching their enclosure than I intended to, enamoured by the grace of their slow, ponderous movements around their tortoise habitat.

There is just something about watching animals in their own rhythm void of human imposition that brings an observer through calmness. Observing animals (the tortoises in this case) conjures thoughts of slowing down, abiding stillness, and enjoying the little things in life; the genuine snapshots that bring true appreciation joy of watching animals comfortably be in their own rhythm.

I left the Kumasi Zoo with an abundance of love and a more profound appreciation for the creatures we share this Earth with. Nature always has its own way of reminding us of the quiet beauty and essence of life – and my visit to the Kumasi Zoo was one of those momentary experiences I will always remember.