Once you get enter the entrance that is also part gift shop, you're greeted by a bird that seems to just peck around the counter. I have a feeling that it's also a good guard if someone tried something funny. The lady in-charge soon came out with another one on her shoulder and helped me with the tickets, popcorn for the animals, instructions about the park, and finally warnings about some things.
The park wasn't as well-kept as Caversham, but it was also in the midst of moving to another location. The flowers there were still beautiful though.
After passing all the flora, I came across a man-made pond that ducks, pelicans and swans seem to enjoy. This one particular duck seem like it enjoyed having water run over its feet. Walking further into the park, I spot a rather sinister-looking vulture that looked like it was contemplating escaping it's holding area and having a go at the other animals.
Then around the bend, I meet a duck that truly entertained me. I didn't notice it at first as most animals here just seem to eat any popcorn you throw at them. However, this one duck seem to stare back and look like it understood my questions. Once I got a popcorn in my hand and asked if it wanted it, the duck would just look up, pause and then start 'wagging its tail' much like what my dog would do. Adorable as it was, I had to save some popcorn for other animals and told the duck I'll see it later.
My Fave Duck!
Along the way to the koala enclosure, I got to see some animals that were more interested in sleeping, and then there were some that were more interested in mating, and maybe some that were just trying to show-off. If I'm not wrong, it was mating season, and the peacocks sure know how to put up beautiful displays to attract the females.
To The Koalas...
Finally I get to the koalas and see that the koalas here are slightly more active than the ones I've seen in other place. Maybe it's the altitude and the cooler air that has them moving around more and not just sleeping to conserve energy.
After watching them in action, I handed over my ticket and got my picture taken with sweet little Eddie. Eddie wasn't bothered too much with a camera in his face as long as he had a lovely bunch of Eucalyptus leaves to snack on. Compared to the wombat, koalas were definitely easier to carry, and probably less temperamental too!
Adorable!
Eddie & Me
Upon leaving the koalas, I spot this lonely fella that looked like a little kid locked out of the playroom. Hopefully the few popcorns made it feel better.
Walking out of the koala exhibit, I turn towards the kangaroo exhibit and was greeted by the fat cockerel. After throwing down a few popcorn, a really big turkey just came rushing in to grab what it could. Then it turned to me and had this crazy carnivorous look in its eyes that just made me throw a bunch and walk away as quick as possible in the other direction!
Losing the greedy turkey, I came upon some lizards, a porcupine that was waddling around it's enclosure, some ponies and a donkey that was 'hee-hawing' for some attention. Just before I entered the kangaroo enclosure, I spotted the white peacock that, lucky me, showed off it's full glory.
Some Lizards
Chubby Porcupine
Isn't That A Donkey?
Entering the kangaroo enclosure, there was nothing really that big a deal as it was almost similar to Caversham until I spotted Bambi. It just stood between the trees, looking beautiful with its spotted coat, like a vision out of the cartoon. Well I guess no matter how far they are, the small of popcorn seems to get into all their noses and they just follow you right up to the exit hoping to get as much popcorn from you as possible.
Next came the parrots which made me laugh. One had its head in a tin can, walking around as if it was a mask for halloween, while two more just loved poking their head out of the holes to say hello.
The parrots then led me to the walk-in aviary, which was where this experience got a little bad. Somehow walking into the aviary didn't seem that bad considering that I've been out at the lori lookout so many times when I was working at the birdpark. This one was different. The birds didn't seem like they were all that happy to be flying around in that big cage, and one wasn't too happy with the cleaner. As the lady kept trying to sweep up all the leaves and dirt, this one parrot kept attacking her broom. It then started to attack her shoes.
I guess that was when I realise the birds here didn't look too friendly, and I realised too late as one of the parrots (the same species as the one attacking the cleaner) plonked itself on my shoulder. As I was trying to cover my ears to protect it from the bird's shrill chirp, I ended up with my thumb being bitten. The bird just didn't want to let go. Worse part of it all was that I had to make sure it left my shoulder before I exited and it bit my thumb again as I tried to shoo it off my shoulder without resorting to giving it a whack!
It didn't look like it was really bad, but then it started bleeding. A few days later, I ended up with a bruise to bring home. Injury-prone holiday this has been.
All Waiting To Attack You In The Aviary.
Cleaner Being Attacked By A Parrot.
See The Worry In My Eyes?
Battle Scar!
Running as far as possible from crazy birds, I ended up going into the Llama exhibit. It was a totally different experience here as these animals were really shy and kept their distance. No matter how much popcorn you threw up in the air, they just didn't seem interested. Oh well...
The rest of the part was just as quiet and I decided to head back to my favourite duck. On the way, I did get to see an ostrich bringing her little ones out for a walk, and hurriedly turned back when she noticed that people were approaching. Or maybe she spotted the huge pelican stalking us from the other end. Seriously something odd with the birds here.
Mama Ostrich With Her Chicks.
Creepy Pelican
After emptying my pack of popcorn to my favourite duck to get a video, I decided to leave the place before the birds start making a horror movie!
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