rockm

"As far as penguins in Mexico City - they do have them there. It's called a zoo. You know - a place where all sorts of animals and other living things from all over the world live in exhibits for the education and entertainment of the people who visit."

That's kinda the point I was making. Zoos are either publicly funded or charge admission to support themselves and the support structure for the animals. My point was, that for most folks who don't have access to rather expensive freezers and chilling equipment, cold storage for temperate bonsai in a tropical climate could be a little more than they bargained for.

"One could make the same argument to anyone who lives beyond the tropical zone, grows tropicals and has a heated greenhouse. It must cost a fortune - why bother? For the enjoyment of the plant!"

This isn't really true, since tropical plants (at least the more hardy of them) don't require more than what humans require in the winter. They stand a better chance if they have additional lighting, humidity etc., but by and large many of them can simply be put in a well lighted place indoors and just kept watered until spring rolls around.