Enjoyed some time at the zoo

Enjoyed some time at the zoo.

We went to the SDA Family Zoo Day at Adelaide Zoo today. Thanks to the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees' Association my daughter got free tickets for herself, me and her sister. My sister and her eldest daughter also went. We got free entry into the zoo, a sausage sizzle, drinks and icy poles. There were also free rides and entertainment. What a great afternoon it was! 

Yesterday and this morning we were not sure whether we would go or not as it was forecast for 40C in Adelaide today. We took frozen water and juice boxes and my niece did a great job of spraying water over us to give a little relief. It certainly was very hot but we had a good time. I was quite surprised by the number of animals we saw. I expected more to be hiding or very inactive due to the heat. Many of the exhibits had misted water and the animals were certainly feeling the heat. The Sumatran tiger and one of the tapirs as well as some large black parrots seemed to be feeling it the most. After a couple of hours at the zoo we went to Botanic Park to get our sausages, drinks and icy poles and for the drawing of a raffle for a TV which SDA members could enter. Unfortunately we didn't win this year. After an enjoyable afternoon we certainly appreciated the air-conditioned car trip home. 

One of the animals near the entrance are the Capybara. I don't recall seeing these animals before and what fascinating creatures they are. They are the largest of the Rodent family. Babies were born in October last year and are already quite big. 

The otters seemed to be putting on a show. 

Funi, one of the pandas at Adelaide Zoo is currently experiencing a phantom pregnancy and so has access to her night quarters. I thought we might not see her at all but did catch a glimpse of her. 

I got a close up of a pelican. I wouldn't have wanted to be as close as the Cape Barren Goose that kept getting snapped at when it tried to walk past. 

This cassowary was quite active today. 

I read the sign about the White-cheeked Gibbon before I saw any and was fascinated to learn they change colour after a year and then the females change back again at sexual maturity. 

We were very lucky to see the baby which was born in April last year and saw the mother moving freely through the trees with baby clinging on. 

We saw a very active wombat. I've never seen one move so much before. Usually they are sleeping. They can move quite fast. There was a sign saying this is a temporary enclosure which they are exploring. This one certainly was. 

Despite the heat, it was an enjoyable afternoon but I do hope its a little cooler next year.