A house guest wanted to see local fauna , which presented a challenge until I discovered Parque Francisco Lecocg. At the edge of protected wetlands northwest of Montevideo, it has a number of species, including peacocks who crowd the entrance road as if looking for handouts (I wonder why), and freely-wandering llamas. Neither is native, but hey.

The park consists of large enclosures. Apparently the idea of rheas and monkeys wandering around freely isn’t as visitor-friendly, so sorry guys: fences.

For some reason, there is a grassy enclosure with a few capybaras (largest living rodents, native to South America) next to one packed with them. They were to the right of this photo; note the absolute lack of vegetation if you don’t believe me.

A substantial aviary unfortunately appears to be uninhabited.

You can also find, somewhat inexplicably, several zebras. A couple of boys did their best to get a reaction from one of the three we saw.

Alas, it just stood there, doing absolutely nothing.

Though not necessarily a tourist attraction, this is the kind of place I’m glad to know exists. It was full of families, active barbecue grills, and kids playing futbol. Atlántida had a small and unexciting zoo until “animal rights activists” “liberated” the inhabitants, many of whom apparently succumbed to vehicular traffic (but for a good cause—?). I don’t know the details. Our local is now part gardening center and part playground, where it is equally popular with families.