For the first time in almost three years i visited WORZ. Arriving at 12:30, i headed out to the Volcanic Plains (first time). The area was very well vegetated and there were 10 - 15 Emus as well as a group of Kangas, Brolgas and Cape Barren Geese with their chicks (so cute!!). There are Eastern-barred Bandicoots as well as wallabies but i couldn't spot any.
I was impressed with the vegetation of the Volcanic Plains but it was lacking a diversity of species which seemed to bore many people (not myself).
I then began the safari tour. We were driven through the American Bison paddock, then the Preswalski Horse's, then the Blackbuck's and then the Camel and Scimitar-horned Oryx mixed exhibit. On the exit to the latter, there were Congo Buffalo, which the tour guide said are going to Melbourne Zoo as soon as there enclosure has finished being refurbished (is this next to the water recycling plant?).
Next we drove through the bull hippo's lake which the little kids seemed to love. We then entered the Greater Kudu paddock. After the death of their alpha male, the Kudu had accepted a Zebra as his successor. For now this is fine but another male of the same species will eventually be acquired so breeding can restart.
We went on past the Addax and then into the lower savannah floodplain which contains Waterbuck, Eland, Zebra, Southern White Rhinos and Giraffe. The two new Giraffes were in with all the other savannah animals. On our way back we drove past the Witusi(?) Cattle.
I thoroughly enjoyed this and all the animals made appearances.
Now to the Pula Walking Trail. First, i saw two Cheetahs who were right up against the glass and then i headed to the Kubu River Hippos exhibit (first time). And it didn't disappoint. I love the exhibit design and the small family of hippos were all lying stationary on the bank. The small hut with reptiles, frogs and fish was a bonus.
But i was most impressed by the African Hunting Dog enclosure. They could be viewed anywere along the elevated boardwalk as well as in the hut and under the boardwalk. Their exhibit was beautifully crafted and planted with a splendid range of plants. Lions on the Edge was looking great but i heard that the elderly lioness was under veterinary supervision for a medical condition. The Vervet Monkeys were as interesting as ever but i couldn't spot the baby.
I entered the Smugglers Beware exhibition and was pleasantly suprised. Learnt more in here than in the rest of the zoo.
The Watersmart Garden was gorgeous, definately worth the detour and the Chirnside Woolshed re-egnited my mother's memory
.
Took loads of photos and will upload them when i next get the chance.
Overall, a great visit. I can certainly see this zoo holding Gorillas and Elephants in the future.
I was impressed with the vegetation of the Volcanic Plains but it was lacking a diversity of species which seemed to bore many people (not myself).
I then began the safari tour. We were driven through the American Bison paddock, then the Preswalski Horse's, then the Blackbuck's and then the Camel and Scimitar-horned Oryx mixed exhibit. On the exit to the latter, there were Congo Buffalo, which the tour guide said are going to Melbourne Zoo as soon as there enclosure has finished being refurbished (is this next to the water recycling plant?).
Next we drove through the bull hippo's lake which the little kids seemed to love. We then entered the Greater Kudu paddock. After the death of their alpha male, the Kudu had accepted a Zebra as his successor. For now this is fine but another male of the same species will eventually be acquired so breeding can restart.
We went on past the Addax and then into the lower savannah floodplain which contains Waterbuck, Eland, Zebra, Southern White Rhinos and Giraffe. The two new Giraffes were in with all the other savannah animals. On our way back we drove past the Witusi(?) Cattle.
I thoroughly enjoyed this and all the animals made appearances.
Now to the Pula Walking Trail. First, i saw two Cheetahs who were right up against the glass and then i headed to the Kubu River Hippos exhibit (first time). And it didn't disappoint. I love the exhibit design and the small family of hippos were all lying stationary on the bank. The small hut with reptiles, frogs and fish was a bonus.
But i was most impressed by the African Hunting Dog enclosure. They could be viewed anywere along the elevated boardwalk as well as in the hut and under the boardwalk. Their exhibit was beautifully crafted and planted with a splendid range of plants. Lions on the Edge was looking great but i heard that the elderly lioness was under veterinary supervision for a medical condition. The Vervet Monkeys were as interesting as ever but i couldn't spot the baby.
I entered the Smugglers Beware exhibition and was pleasantly suprised. Learnt more in here than in the rest of the zoo.
The Watersmart Garden was gorgeous, definately worth the detour and the Chirnside Woolshed re-egnited my mother's memory
. Took loads of photos and will upload them when i next get the chance.
Overall, a great visit. I can certainly see this zoo holding Gorillas and Elephants in the future.
