Jimmy and Violet's Trip to the Zoo
Jan 7, 2011 by Violet
As you probably remember, James and I went to the Melbourne Zoo on Christmas! It was seriously one of the most fun days out I’ve ever had :D We were there for almost 6 hours and we didn’t even see all of the animals *_*
Between us we took around 500 photos that day but I’ve whittled it down to my favorites plus a slideshow at the ends heehee! I was considering making a video too but that seemed a bit like overkill XD But yes fair warning that there are a lot of photos here!
We took the tram over fairly early that morning hoping to miss any crowds that might show up. Public transport was free on Christmas so that was a big plus because it’s damn expensive here >_<
From the CBD the trip was only around 10 minutes and the tram goes right to the entrance of the zoo.
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The first thing I wanted to see was the meerkats but as we arrived there was a loud speaker announcement that the tigers were going to be fed in 10 minutes so we hurried over that way first. They had 1 big tiger and 4 ”babies” that were actually pretty much fully grown.
One of the many “Funniest Home Videos” moments was when one of the tigers tried to climb a tree to get some meat and unlike the graceful big cat I was expecting, it lost it’s footing and fell in a very ungraceful manner XD
They were very interesting to watch feeding and such shiny coats! I wasn’t expecting them to be so vocal either but clearly dinner conversation with family has that many arguments whether you’re a cat or a person hahaha!
Next we went to visit the meerkats which is what I had been looking forward to for weeks! You can actually book in to feed the meerkats for $30 but we didn’t get there in time so I didn’t do it. Next time I totally want to though!!
Again we were lucky enough to arrive just in time for the “meet the keeper” session where you could talk to the keeper and ask him questions. The most popular question was “Can I keep one as a pet?” to which he answered “You can keep anything as a pet but whether it’s a good idea or not is another thing entirely!” XD
They were so much smaller that I had imagined, on TV they look like they are maybe knee high when they’re standing up but in reality they are the size of a small kitten… which makes them even cuter!
Apparently they aren’t very clever at all and even though they’ve had the same keeper for 3 years they can’t recognise or remember people, they only know the jangling of the keys means feeding time. This point was illustrated by the fact that he was feeding them worms from a bottle and he put it down for a second and a meerkat promptly got it’s face stuck in the top trying to get the worms -_-’ Then it couldn’t get it out and fell off the log!! Funniest part of the whole day :D Meerkats. Super cute but not the brightest crayon in the box.
They were very inquisitive though and because they’ve been in captivity for so long they were very friendly. Here I am being photobombed by a meerkat, how embarrassing hahaha!
When they stand up like that I always want to squish their tummies XD It’s probably for the best we missed out on going into the enclosure haha.
They had a separate enclosure for one girl meerkat who had been flown in from Sydney Zoo for a breeding program (all of the other ones were related so no breeding for them!) but apparently she was so mean and antisocial that whenever they put her in the same cage she attacked and killed the others *_* I think she was probably lonely, the keeper said that they don’t do very well without their families and if I had my own clan and someone yanked me out of it and stuck me in a completely new one I would probably be antisocial too.
Next was the Red Pandas but they wouldn’t turn around so this was the best photo I got.
We stopped off at the gift shop and got souvenirs ^_^ I wanted to take home a whole pack of these meerkats to set up around the house XD
But I settled for one (now named Thundercat for lack of anything better) and snow leopard (or white tiger?) ears. A day at the zoo just isn’t complete without silly ears!
There was a big carousel set up in one of the parks too which looked pretty cool, though every time we walked past it was playing songs that seemed hilariously inappropriate for a children’s ride. I can’t even remember what any of them were now but at the time they were very funny… ugh great story grandma right? >_<
There was a beautiful Japanese garden which was very peaceful other than the 60 billion children running around it too.
The whole place was super clean and well manicured. It would be a really nice place for a picnic.
Of course as the lake was full of swans this photo was inevitable. OMG SMALLEST SWAN IN THE WORLD!
The otter enclosure was always really busy so it was hard to get good photos but they were very cute making little squeaky noises!
The orangutans had just opened their Christmas presents so there was wrapping paper everywhere. They didn’t seem overly interested, mostly just sleepy.
There were heaps and heaps of different monkeys, I’ve always found them to be a little creepy though so I didn’t take many photos.
I liked these ones, mostly because they looked so grumpy at being awake. That’s what I look like first thing in the morning XD
After that we headed to the butterfly enclosure which was spectacular!
There were so many butterflies it was hard to move without running into them.
They were very friendly too and landed pretty much everywhere. James said at one point there were a bunch of them fighting over space on my bow, must be some tasty ribbon!
I was disappointed not to see any Ulysses because they are my favorites but these green ones were amazing to look at anyway.
Outside they had the caterpillars and also rows upon rows of cocoons. This didn’t come out well in the photo but these blue ones looked like someone had deco’d them, they had rows of what looked like glittery jewels along the tops!
Enjoy this photo of James being mature while I try to remember what came next XD
Right elephants! There were 2 baby elephants which everyone was going crazy over. I didn’t see the fuss so we didn’t get many photos.
After all of that walking it was time for a lunch break! While some of the food places looked really nice the one closest to us ended up being not so yummy. The chips were luke warm and the drink tasted like sea water *_* Yuck! Next time I’m going to shell out for the nice restaurant.
This is me shaking my fist at some pelicans because they creep me out XD
We went to see the fairy penguins but because it’s mating season they were all huddled under a boat, this was the only photo I managed to get:
The sea area of the Zoo looked like an old pier with sand everywhere.
Inside there were playful seals and all kinds of fish!
The seahorses were so pretty~
Everything inside was under a black light so it was kind of difficult to look at some of the animals but it did make for cool photos.
Outside there was a peacock running around looking pretty and I took so many photos!
When I was a kid we lived in a place that had peacocks nearby and they used to let them roam around the streets, they would come and sit on my front porch and leave feathers behind, it was awesome!
It was more interested in impressing the tree than us >_<
If you’re going to try and see everything, I totally suggest wearing comfortable shoes! I kept managing to get sand in mine so I was very ladylike having to stop and empty it all out!
Onwards to the big animals! We managed to see feeding time for the giraffes too which was pretty cool. While the keeper put the food out, the giraffes were pacing around in their enclosure and drooling. There was a lot more drool in general at the zoo than I expected XD
Normally the giraffes and zebras live together but they have to be separated for feeding.
The zebras were all lined up in a very orderly fashion for their food!
James doing his best photographer/explorer pose ^_^
The lemurs had a big playground enclosure with heaps of toys but they were all sleepy too. It was a very sleepy kind of day, I kind of wanted a nap at this point too!
There were ducks wandering around all over the place.
We saw this family of them a couple of times too wandering around for food.
Birds were sleepy too!
Next was the reptile enclosure which James was very excited about. Again it was all black lights ^_^
This snake sleeps like this so it can be a gigantic spring when something to eat comes by *_* Sounds like my worst nightmare.
I think this lizard was giving a big friendly wave and saying “Heeeeeeeeeeey!” XD
Pink snake!
There were lots of very bright lizards ^_^
This frog was my favorite because it was such a pretty colour!
Sexual harassment lizard slaps this turtle on the butt ;)
The last area we went to before my feet gave out was the big cat area! This one was a little crazy, it kept pacing in this one area and looking out the cage at a wall *_*
I can’t remember the name of this cat but it had such pretty ears, it looked really sarcastic like it was the cat in the corner which made fun of the other cats XD
The last one we saw was the snow leopard :D There were 3 cages of them but we could only see one, the others were hiding! Again it was nap time XD Doing my best or possibly worst snow leopard impression XD
So pretty though, I’m glad we got to see one! It’s tail was so fluffy.
On the way home I picked a couple of the purple daisies that were around the park so I could press them for another souvenir :D
And here are the rest of the photos! And that’s it! Afterwards we went home and got some bubble tea and James made me a massive yummy dinner :D Best day ever! So those of you in Melbourne, have you been to the zoo? I know I missed out on lots, which should I see next time? Which other Zoos are good to visit here? |
Aw that looks like a lovely day, I loved the Merekat section :) How cute. I would love to visit the Melbourne Zoo :)
xx
Next time you visit you should check it out, we had a blast!
Melbourne zoo > Adelaide zoo. We don’t have elephants here anymore :( this makes me want to visit Melbourne even more!!
You should totally visit!
So many comments *-* 1 word AWESOME! I love zoo’s too especially well kept and friendly ones^^ will definitely make it a point to visit Mel Zoo.
1) Thank you for the tour <3
2) James in the Indiana Jones pose was too cute.
3) the cat with the pointy ears is a Lynx ^^
4) The female lemur is so scary, but yeah she's probably so scared being away from her family. Nxt time a family field trip perhaps?
5) Love your outfit and the hair~ Pink was really the way to go <3
:D :D :D You should come visit me and we’ll go to the Zoo!! I <3 your comment!
i love the zoo :D
you’re lucky you got to see the red pandas, when ever i go theyre always sleeping/hiding D;
They weren’t very playful at all, as soon as I snapped that photo they ran away up the tree XD
WOW!
looks like you had a great time together. You & James look good together.
LOL at the 60 billion kids running around the garden & the grumpy monkeys. i ought to also ask my bf to go to the zoo with me. its been years since i last went to the zoo!
a belated happy new year to you,sweetie!
^_^
Thank you! Hope you have a lovely NY too!
That day looks like so much fun even though the thought of leaving the house on Christmas is odd to me. I don’t think American zoos are even open on Christmas.
I think the nameless kitty is a caracal, which looks similar to a lynx, but is less fluffy.
Oh I think you’re right about the pointy kitty, caracal sounds familiar!
I love the kitties best at the zoo – I’m not so fond of monkeys either – and elephants are a bit meh too.
The Healesville Sanctuary is a really good one to visit – they are all native animals but its really pretty out there. You do need a car though.
Haha we have similar taste in animals XD I might have to commandeer a friend with a car and check out Healesville!
15YO Daughter and I fell about laughing at your silly Meerkat story! Teehee!
:D Seriously it was the funniest thing I have ever seen, not very smart but SO cute.
Looks like you had a mass amount of fun ^_^
i wanna go zoo again cause in Adelaide we got pandas now
Pandas are so cute!
I’ve been to the zoo so many times. When I was little, I used to stand in front of the otter’s cage and refuse to move until my dad picked me up and carried me away. Ross and I went a couple of years ago, and we got to see the zookeepers feeding the animals their breakfast. It was amazing. They were throwing huge chunks of pumpkin at the elephants and they were catching them in their trunks. That was an awesome day, especially when I learned that Ross is royally creeped out by the butterfly house.
That is so cute! James loved the otters too! Omg Ross is scared of butterflies?! James is scared of Moths!!!
I haven’t been to the zoo in years but now I want to go again! Definitely go to the aquarium, the jellyfish room is really cool and all blacklight as well, Healesville Sanctuary is awesome though I think it’s a pain to get to without a car, Werribee Open Range Zoo is really good too, and I think a bit easier to get to by public transport.
Jellyfish room?? That sounds so awesome!! Ok totally going there :D
You think public transport is expensive in Melbourne? Try living in Queensland, your transport fees are ridiculously cheap by comparison…part of the reason why I am moving there lol
XD I lived in QLD my whole life until 6 months ago and the public transport is much cheaper there even with the QLD fee increases. Here there are only 2 zones so for me to get between 2 stations (say the equivalent of from the Central to the Valley) in Melbourne costs as much as a 3 zone ticket in Brisbane XD Very unpleasant! At least the transport comes much more often!
Looks amazing, the zoo near me is nowhere near that lovely… xx
You should come visit this one :D
I totally adore meerkats! In the UK there’s an animated meerkat called sergeii who advertises car insurance (from ‘compare the market.com’), he’s become quite a cult figure so you can get loads of meerkat novelties!
Omg that sounds adorable! I wish we had one of those here XD
Thanks for sharing your lovely day with us!
I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Those animals, insects and reptiles are so cuuute!
(edited- link removed due to comments policy ~Violet)
XOXO
I know!!! I had so much fun, it was like cute overload :D
Awww I love the zoo, it’s my favourite place to visit!
Those meerkats are so adorable I would love to feed them to, I’ve been looking into working more with animals so if I had the oppourtunity to get a job in a zoo that would be amazing!
Omg that would be an awesome job! It would be so much fun to feed the meerkats every day XD
That looks like a great day out and Miss Violet you look so slim like you have lost weight :) xo
Nope haven’t lost any weight, I’ve been about the same weight since I was about 16 XD It was a lovely day!
omg the meercats are the greatest!
you guys should look into becoming members of the zoo if you want to check out the other melb zoos
http://www.zoo.org.au/members
it’ll work out cheaper & you get unlimited entry for the year plus discounts on other events & cool things :)
I totally thought about becoming members! I’m thinking of asking for it for my next birthday :D Then we can go all the time!
I love the zoo. You have to drag me away from each animal as I never want to leave. I just adore cute and fluffy ! Not much in the way of zoo’s here in vegas but I always enjoy a trip to Sigfreid and Roy’s secret garden. White tigers and lions and dolphins.
Ooo Sigfreid and Roy’s secret garden sounds like fun! I think if I went I would spend half the time making kitschy poses though and would have to wear an awesome costume to fit the occasion XD
It’s a date !!! Let me know when to expect you xxx
:D Will do!
What a FanTastiC way to spend Christmas!! It looks like so much fund and those Meerkats… too cute!!!! ^-^
I wonder how we can stealthily kidnap some and bring them home to live with us? I bet they’d make awesome waiters with a little bow tie on carrying around mini drink trays of bubble tea…. It’s just a mental image I have… ;) LOL
Haha that was the most asked question the keeper got apparently XD
Awesome day out, I wouldn’t have though that the zoo would be open on Christmas Day but I learn something new everyday! Gave me an Idea for when we next go to Melbourne! From Adelaide here
I was so convinced it would be closed too but James convinced me haha! It’s definitely worth the trip!
Seems like an awesome day out! That’s what we did too…haha…but we went to Healesville Sanctuary on Christmas.
I’ve heard such good things about Healesville, have to check it out!
Looots of great photos!! You’re so cute with the tiger ears:D I enjoyed every photo! Thank you very much for sharing!! I must go there one day!
Aww Minnie you are so so so sweet *hugs*
You and Jimmy certainly are a cute couple! Such a gorgeous sunny day to take a trip to the zoo!
Stunning photos and the Blue Frog is very strange looking!
Haha thanks Michelle! I love him very much :D The zoo was awesome!
I am so jellous right now!!! your zoo is much better then the one I’ve been to here in America. Here most of the animals live in small cages unless ofcourse they require a bigger space! It looks so cool being able to see animals in their own habbit maybe one day I’ll get to go see a real zoo :) thanks for posting!!! … ps I knew a lady in ohio usa who had 3 white tigers on her farm! they were the sweetest tigers from what i’ve heard though i never saw in person.
Oh that sounds very sad! The Zoo I went to in Japan was similar to the ones you described :( Oh she kept them as pets? I would be so scared! XD