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february: howling wolves & medieval architecture.

one animal park i could visit all year round is the animal park in hanau. needless to say it's because of the wolves. they are the main attraction. all the other animals are attractive, too, of course, but to be able to see those wolves and listening to their howling practices is definitely an one of a kind experience.

the pheasants of the park are glowing in all kinds of exotic colours.

and sometimes, even the average dove attracts my eye.

those colours! sadly, i couldn't capture his whole glory, due to fence restrictions.

almost headless owl.

thuringian goat!

the polar wolves' favourite hang out place is one a little hill in the middle of the compound. they can see everything and everyone from up there.



and the howling began. it seems that you as a visitor or as a caretaker only need to start a howling session and soon they join in to howl back at you. so i tried it out and yes, it was true.


it's kind of magical to hear them howl.

reflections in puddles.

these are aurochses. actually, they are instinct, but people tried their luck at reproducing them again with the help of backbreeding and were fairly successful. wild living aurochses are extinct since 1627.

baby aurochs! it was so melancholic.

a peacock turning wheels. 

storks always remind me of this children's song. also, they are quite beautiful creatures.

baby goaties! always cuddling and smiling.

this one wanted to eat me.

and this fat rabbit was indeed that: fat.

a deer head sculpture on a house wall near the park.

after the visit to the animal park it was decided we'd visit steinheim - a part of hanau. it's known for being the portal to the cider production region of hessia. therefore it's really old and medieval - and i really love them medieval little towns.


the river main meanders near steinheim and later will flow into the rhine.

perfect portal.

how german's protect old trees with hollow insides.


the alley to steinheim castle.

fountain figurine.

my idea of a perfect house.


clappers are THE vessels for cider serving only. hessian cider is not to be served in a different one EVER. it's a strict rule here in apple cider land.

they were practically everywhere.

birdie!

steinheim castle.

there's a museum inside, but it was closed that day. and finally, the sun came out for a bit!



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