Creatures, Sunshine, & Surf
Trip Start
Jul 16, 2010
1
5
20
Trip End
Jan 20, 2011
Palm Cove, Queensland, Australia
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Although only close to 30 km away, this wee journey took one whole nauseating bus ride to get there. No kiddin' you, we were just about green by the time we got off the bus. Waaay too many bloody roundabouts, yes I said 'bloody'. !
Off to the Cairns Tropical Zoo to see some Crocs. Big ladies they were too! I'll try to attach the video. The fella was definitely similar to dear Steve Irwin, and a very knowledgable bloke at that. We must admit though, we were so enthralled by all that he was doing, I think we all went deaf to his running monologue; sorry no informative details from this bunch this time!
At first entrance to the Zoo, ( after paying a gi-normous amt. of money :-/ ) the Red Panda greets everyone, 'though I do think he was doing his aerobic routine - pacing and pretend dodge-ball with the invisable man. He was approximately 4 feet from tip of tail to nose, and 20 pounds weight, with a lot of fluff. They are herbivores, and like Koalas they sleep in the trees, curling their tail around limbs to be steady. ......we were paying attention this time ;-)
We had to stop, again, at the Koala enclosure. Have I said how adorable they are, a hundred times yet?
Sidni got her thrill, .....holding a Python. Actually it was a beautiful, gentle creature, that was not at all unpleasant to touch; we all had a go :-)
Everyone has heard of Dingos, legendary as Australia's wild dog. Hunt alone or in cooperative packs. They pursue small game such as rabbits, rodents, birds, and lizards. These dogs will eat fruits and plants as well. They also scavenge from humans. As written up by National Geographic;
Well the little darling pictured here, licking my hand was very much the docile dog we dog-lovers gravitate to. Admitted, the interaction with humans he has had his entire life would certainly bring this trait about. .....I had to wonder, does someone take him home to their flat each night and share their pizza with this young heart-stealer? Around 1.1+ m in length and 10 - 15 kg; for those that do not understand metric, that runs about 3.5 - 4 ft and 22lbs+.
He was lovely.
We see signs, unusual to us, all the time. However, taking pictures of them while hurtling down the highway on the bus makes getting clear shots just darn impossible,.....but I'll keep trying. Our favourite, the 'warning, kangaroos crossing' sign! I've added a couple here anyway.
Almost forgot the Wombat. On the critical endangered list, herbivore, nocturnal; 71 to 119 cm
32 to 80 lbs [ 'bit of both for you there ;-) ] Another Marsupial (their young grow in an exterior pouch) The give birth to tiny, undeveloped young that crawl into pouches on their mothers' bellies. We were shown a picture of a newborn, barely the size of your thumb nail. Incredible.
The baby remains in its mother's pouch for about five months. Only by about seven months of age can it fend for itself. I can't remember the name they gave this one, but after listening to all the guide had to say about this cute little fella, we were all quite certain we'd stay the heck out of its' way!
Now, to sign off and do today's blog,....'Surf'......(still chicken, mind you to get a board any time soon!)
Comments
Looks like a great time at the zoo! I don't care what people say bad about zoos, the point is most people wouldn't see or develop an appreciate for the many animals of the world if they couldn't see them in person and up close.
Hope the bus ride by was not so nauseating(<-sp?).
I absolutely agree! The animals are so very well taken care of, and they are the Ambassadors for their species; only, it seems, by being able to really see with our own eyes can we appreciate and respect, and hopefully help their continuing.