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So today, we braved public transportation. Sharon and I walked up about 6 blocks to Brisbane Central Station to catch a train out to Beerwah, Queensland the home of Australia Zoo.
It was about 90 minutes and went through the Glasshouse Mountain Range. Very cool. Upon arrival at the Zoo, we hurried to the center to make arrangements for the animal encounter experiences. (See link here http://www.crocodilehunter.com.au/our-animals/animal-encounters/ ) These encounters allow to to get up close and personal with the respective animals as you can see from the photos we were able to post today. It is a free, but slow connection that won't allow me to upload the 310 from my digital. So will get back to you on the other photos but really wanted to post what we purchased from the Zoo.
We started our experience with the Kangaroo paddock. This enclosure allows you to walk right up to and interact with the kangaroos. It was a hot day, but a very nice breeze kept it comfortable. However, the Roos, mostly lazed about much like the photo above. In fact we were hard pressed to find one standing all day long. So we took bunches of photos (to be uploaded soon) and also spotted the tiny Rock Wallabys that live in the paddock as well. I remember seeing an episode of Crocodile Hunter that showed the building of the home for these little guys, and how they kept escaping and getting places they weren't supposed to.
In our wanderings today, we also walked right by Terri Irwin herself as she was chatting with a Zoo keeper. So, yes folks, Mrs. Irwin does indeed work at the zoo.
We also made it to the very back of the park in time to feed the elephants, I was able to feed two of the three who came up for photo ops with the visitors. From there we watched 3 tiger cubs play about their pen with the keepers.
Moving back to the main part of the zoo, we found the Koalas that you can pet. Their coats are really soft. New Keeper, Tina chatted with us for about 15 minutes before more people arrived and we decided to move on.
We found the Emus, which make the most unusual noise. It seems to vibrate through their stomach and throat and sounds like a growl. Very weird to see them do it. I would have liked to compare them to Cassowaries, but we ran out of time picking up our photos from the encounters.
Speaking of the encounters. I wanted to meet as many native Australian species as I could, so I booked three. My first was the Short Beaked Echidna http://www.crocodilehunter.com.au/our-animals/amazing-animals/mammals/?mammal=echidnas&animal=short-beaked_echidna
They are fed a paste that you hold in your hand and they lick off with their really long tongue. It is a strange sensation. My little fella climbed up on my leg to pose for the camera. Keeper Alina gave us all sorts of information about them, showed us how to pet them, head to bum, and the spikes were very interesting to feel. It was an incredible experience.
Next, we watched the start of the animal show in the Crocoseum. We caught some of the snakes, including the swimming python. And no, her name was not Monty! ;-) On our way up, we passed by the wall of kakhi shirts, gifts, and tokens that visitors have left in memory of Steve. I wish we had more time to read the messages.
After lunch, we went to the Wombat Encounter which Sharon and I did together.
http://www.crocodilehunter.com.au/our-animals/amazing-animals/mammals/?mammal=wombats&animal=common_wombat
We had a marvelous time with the five or six Wombats that were brought out for us. They really are big and remind me of a cross between a pot bellied pig and a bear cub. Once they were fed, they made their way to a sandy pit and one just completely passed out. The keepers suggested that we go lay down next to her for photos, and as no one else did, I jumped right in. After a few photos, Sharon was going to take her turn when another Wombat decided the sand looked very inviting and also came to lie down. She was quickly followed by the others and suddenly there was a big pile o' Wombats. The keepers were laughing as they don't normally do this with people around. But as soon as the whole group was settled, we took great advantage of it for photos. You can read more about the critters at the web page noted above.
The last encounter was with the Alpine Dingos that live in the Zoo. I get to meet Teyha and her Alpha, Mia. Teyha gave me a big kiss, see picture, when she came by to meet me on the initial introduction. I was the only one of the group to get a kiss so I really feel special for the day.
I have to give a big thanks to Sharon as she took lots of free photos during my solo encounters. I know we missed seeing some critters, but hopefully we can make it up by hitting the Torronga Zoo in Sydney.
All in all, it was a fabulous day. Although upon trying an "American" hamburger at the Zoo, Sharon found it too gamey, I thought it tasted similar to buffalo. Just to compare, when we got back to Brisbane, we tried a McDonald's. The burgers were Australia beef and I thought it was good. Better than American Mickey D's anyway. But Sharon stuck with a chicken sandwich.
So now I'm about to sign off. Tomorrow we are going to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary where they will let you hold a Koala for photo ops. I haven't been mauled by an animal here in several days, so let's hope the luck holds.
Speaking of luck, I think I picked a good time to leave Melbourne if the pictures on this site are any indication. The city has received freakish rain storms with flash flooding in some areas. This second site has some interesting vidoes. Look on the right under video for the Eureka Skydeck (88 stories above the ground) Video and further down under Victoria for a lighting strike to a tram (which Peter and I used almost exclusively).
http://www.theage.com.au/photogallery/2007/12/20/1197740457043.html
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/
Peter, I hope you are staying lighting free and dry.
Cheers mate!
- Michelle
for December 22nd.
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