Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Melbourne Zoo - it's not only for the children

Last Saturday we were invited to a blogger event at the Melbourne Zoo. What a way to celebrate earth hour! Mister was hesitant at first "what are we going to do in a zoo?", "isnt it more appropriate for kids?".  So he needs some coaxing, what's new?

He was actually beaming after the event. We loved our time there. We were treated as VIPs at the event. We got there earlier than everyone, our knowledgeable guides took us, the bloggers on a personalised tour. This was after the zoo was closed at 5.30pm. How cool was that!!!

The wildlife within the zoo was all within comfortable walking distance, great for the young and the old. We were surrounded by wildlife in confined areas, really stunning white polka dots on black guinea fowls free range around the lawn and even up in the air - while we were visiting the giraffes, a flight of birds flew by and one of them decided to make a deposit on my hair. It was definitely my lucky day :)

What was most memorable and enjoyable was our "backstage" tour at the Reptiles Section. John, our guide is a unique exhibit himself. He had a long white beard with a dangling earring on his left ear, he is the walking wikipedia on lizards and snakes. John talked about the origins of the animals, their nature, habits, explained about how they mate, no question was answered satisfactorily and more. The best part of all is we could experience and touched the lizards and the snakes. I was amazed with Mister, holding a python with total calm.

Feeling the black headed python was really something I could never forget. The skin felt silky and smooth, nothing like skin on a handbag I can tell you. For this very reason, I dont think anyone should have a snakeskin handbag. It is not really the real thing. Far from it.

After a decent meal, we were enjoying live music at the Zoo's bandstand in an area exclusive to bloggers. Boy, do we feel like royalty that night. What's even special is having the lions' roar accompanying good music.
 
Zoos are not just for kids, I always enjoy my time when I visit a zoo, coming away with wonder, rejuvenation and feeling good about life. That is something that no one should deny themselves of.

Blogger Check-in - the lovely Masha Wheeler (on the right) who invited us to the event. We were even given a little pressie.

Three giraffes - Arent giraffes ones of the most graceful?

African Wild Dogs - they actually look dangerous as a pack

This leftover leg of some animal was hanging in the african wild dogs confinement.


Guinea fowls running free range around the zoo.

One of the musical performers having a quiet smoke.

John, our guide invited us in through the back door into the reptilia home "backscenes"

Fijian Crested Lizard - territorial reptilians: if a male sees another, the colours on their body turns dark green, ready to attack.

Fijian crested lizards tendency to climb to the highest point.

John's office


Snake skeleton

Rattlesnake

Rattlesnake looking right at you.

Black headed python

The snake was doing a handcuff


John was trying to show us where the sexual organs are placed in a snake, this one was a female.


Milk snake non venomous



The world of bloggers - even while we are eating, some of us are updating on their PDAs?!!




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