Giant Pandas, Adelaide Zoo
Giant Panda, Adelaide Zoo, South Australia
Two Giant Pandas arrived at the Adelaide Zoo late last year in the midst of great media hype. In fact, for months before their arrival they were featured in the news media almost every day, certainly every week. As the arrival date approached this certainly became every day.
Adelaide Zoo under went a major renovation in preparation. A large new entrance gate area replaced the historic entrance gates which had been used since the 1800s. (The old gates were not destroyed; they are just no longer in use.)
Close to the new entrance gates is a multi-million dollar new enclosure specifically built for the two new pandas, Wang Wang and Funi.
In the just over 6 months since their arrival, the pandas have increased visitor numbers to the zoo by 70%. In the first month or so, coinciding with the Christmas and New Year break as well as school holidays, visitors had to book ahead to see these amazing animals. Even then there was a waiting period before getting to see them. I decided to wait until recently and even then I had to line up for ten minutes at the end of a long line of people. The wait was worth it. Over coming days I will feature the many photos I took of the pandas.
Giant Panda enclosure, Adelaide Zoo, South Australia
Giant Panda, Adelaide Zoo, South Australia
The Bluff, Victor Harbor, South Australia
The Bluff, Victor Harbor
Along with Granite Island just off the coast, The Bluff is the most prominent natural feature of the Victor Harbor and Encounter Bay area.
At the base of the this hill there is a narrow dirt road leading to a fishing jetty.
This jetty is very popular with locals and visitors alike, and is one spot where fishing can be plentiful.
Fishing jetty at the base of The Bluff, Victor Harbor
Fishing jetty at the base of The Bluff, Victor Harbor
Ocean Scenes near Victor Harbor, South Australia
Ocean view near Victor Harbor
There are many spectacular views of beaches and the ocean in and around Victor Harbor on the south coast of South Australia.
My friend Rod took us on a tour of some of the highlights on a recent visit to the popular seaside town.
These photos were taken on the south side of the prominent hill know as The Bluff.
Ocean view near Victor Harbor
Ocean view near Victor Harbor
Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby, Monarto Zoo, South Australia
Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby, Monarto Zoo, South Australia
Yellow-footed Rock Wallabies are one of the more colourful species of wallabies that are found in Australia. Once widespread in South Australia, Queensland and NSW its stronghold is now mainly in South Australia. It is a threatened species but with breeding programs like the one at Monarto Zoo, they are making a comeback in places like the Flinders Ranges, the only place I have seen this species in their natural habitat.
The captive group on display at Monarto Zoo are easily seen and approached for photos – or even a pat or two.
Click on the photos to enlarge the images.
Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby, Monarto Zoo, South Australia
Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby, Monarto Zoo, South Australia
Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby, Monarto Zoo, South Australia
Meerkats at Monarto Zoo, South Australia
Meerkat at Monarto Zoo, South Australia
Meerkats would have to be one of the more popular animals on display in any zoo. These endearing little creatures are fun to watch and everyone seems drawn to them for their antics. Of course, there is a serious side to their behaviour: survival. Without those comical poses like that shown in the photo above they would be in serious danger from predators. So what looks funny to humans is a matter of life and death for the Meerkats.
The small meerkat display at Monarto Zoo here in South Australia is a popular attraction to all visitors. Their enclosure is only a few steps away from the Visitor Centre and restaurant, and so it is one of the most visited parts of the zoo. It is also on the way to the bus stop zone where most visitors get on the shuttle buses taking visitors on tours of the zoo.
Monarto Zoo is just a ten minute drive from my home town of Murray Bridge, and only 50 minutes drive on the SE Freeway from Adelaide. To learn more about the meerkats at Monarto Zoo click here.
Meerkat at Monarto Zoo, South Australia
Meerkat at Monarto Zoo, South Australia