2 of 12

Write now Article Tools

Page 3 of 3

The guides were also very quick to point out the dangers that these animals pose for us, which, in the case of snakes and crocodiles is actually a lot less than you would perhaps think.

I have to say that the shows were a thoroughly enjoyable experience and were of a highly interactive nature - the guy that was doing the PA was constantly walking about with his microphone asking questions to members of the assembled audience.

Through him, we discovered that there were people from all over the world sharing in the experience, with many of the spectators hailing from Europe, the USA and South America. There was even a family who heralded from Tasmania, although being the brunt of many an Australian joke; they might have regretted announcing this.

During the day, we got up close and personal with some very exotic animals but let's face it, just by fencing an area off in Australia, you would end up with more exotic animals than we would ever hope to see back home.

The day was spent looking at wombats, koalas, possums, a wonderful relative of the emu known as a cassowary, Tasmanian devils, iguanas, skinks, otters, walking amongst tropical birds in a giant aviary, feeding and petting kangaroos, feeding elephants and watching 1 percent of the world's population of Sumatran tigers at rest and play. Sadly, this amounts to just three of these most beautiful creatures; such is their threat of extinction.

As we watched them in the Tiger Temple, which incidentally is styled on the Angkor Wat Temple in Cambodia, two of their handlers were sitting in the temple with them.

Just as I was thinking that it was quite a cushy job to be sitting in the afternoon sun, not doing much one of the handlers explained to us that the team of tigers' handlers had been spending time with them 24/7 since their birth three years previously in an effort to build up the confidence of the animals a hugely impressive display of dedication to their vocation.

Such was our enthusiasm and interest in the place; we were still walking around almost half an hour after the zoo closed. As we eventually dragged ourselves away from the zoo, one of the multitudes of staff, a man in his late forties dressed in the famous khaki uniform, asked us if we had enjoyed our visit.

Having said that we had enjoyed it immensely, I then commented on how great it must be to work in such a fantastic environment. His response?

"I waken up every morning and thank my lucky stars that I work here."

That says it all really

For more info, check out: http://www.australiazoo.com.au

Learn more about this author, Jonny Black.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3

Add your voice

Know something about Remembering Steve Irwin?
We want to hear your view. Write now!