Beijing's Unlicensed Yet (Very) Competent Animal Therapists
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Life is hard, especially in a metropolis like Beijing. After a long day of work, sometimes we just want to avoid all unnecessary conversations with human beings, and even pronouncing just one extra syllable feels like it will drain us of all of our remaining energy. But it’s also possible we don’t want to be left alone either. Luckily, there are spaces in the city that might be just the thing for those who are in need of some animal therapy, especially if they want to spend time with animals but are not able to take care of one personally.
Takara 嗒咔啦
Located right in the center of the universe (ahem, I mean Sanlitun SOHO), this pet store features a diverse array of animal residents, from the common ones, like Corgis and French Bulldogs, to the rarer kinds, such as raccoons and capybaras! Takara staff will be by your side to ensure the safety of both you and the animals, so feel free to ask them to take photos of you with your new furry friends, or to ask questions to find out more about these cute little souls. Takara also sells various snacks, giving you a chance to feed the animals yourself, but please consult with the staff to avoid overfeeding. If you do grow attached to a certain resident and decide you would like to take it home as a pet, make sure you learn everything you may need to know to be a responsible pet owner before welcoming one of Takara’s many special animals into your family.
B1-229, Bldg No.02, Sanlitun SOHO, Worker Stadium North Road, Chaoyang DistrictMon. to Thurs., Sun. 12pm to 8pm, Fri., Sat. 12pm to 9pm
136, Bldg No.05, Sanlitun SOHO, Worker Stadium North Road, Chaoyang District
Mon. to Fri. 12pm to 8 pm, Sat., Sun. 11am to 8 pm
Price range: RMB 80 to 100
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Do you think cute and fluffy animals are for weaklings? Or do you simply have an allergy to furry creatures but still want to get close to more of Mother Nature’s children? SpaceMan, home to all kinds of scaly beasts, is sure to be your prime choice. Most of us have had a period in our life where we were fascinated by dinosaurs and other aloof-looking creatures. But while their appearance may be a bit intimidating, and in most folklore they tend to be viewed negatively, this only gives us more reason to go beyond the claws and fangs and learn about them rather than immediately resent and stigmatize them. SpaceMan is a family-friendly science education facility that showcases our reptilian neighbors. Visitors may make reservations to attend informative lectures that aim to give the public a better understanding of reptiles while also allowing people to observe or physically touch them. You might even get the chance to help a little lizard break through its eggshell, allowing you to witness the wonder of life and appreciate the preciousness of every living creature.
2nd Floor, Bldg. No.2, Courtyard No.2, Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang RoadMon. to Sun. 10:30am to 8:30pm
Price range: RMB 60 to 150
Lucky Ducky 喜鸭
As the name suggests, the star of Lucky Ducky is the duck. For many city dwellers, it may not be practical to walk their pets every day. The Call duck (a domesticated breed of duck that is what most people likely think of when they think of a generic “duck”) has become the new favorite for many office workers due to its docile personality, relatively small body size, and good behavior. This doesn’t mean they are cheap, though. One fully grown Call duck can set you back up to RMB 15,000, not including the expenses for food, vaccines, and other considerations. Therefore, it is more reasonable to visit Lucky Ducky first, to get acquainted with these wiggly, walking cuties, before you consider keeping one at home as a pet.
Besides ducks, Lucky Ducky has lambs and piglets, which are also adored by visitors. If you are lucky, you may get to see the piggy siblings all resting on a cushion and comfortably snorting while rubbing against each other, or a little lamb walking around in its tiny baby diaper. Too cute!
B1-519, Bldg No.05, Sanlitun SOHO, Worker Stadium North Road, Chaoyang DistrictMon. to Sun. 12pm to 8pm
READ: Mind Right Stories: Lian's Homecoming Through Silent Yoga
Images: Dianping
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