Fishing Cat, Taronga Zoo, Sydney
Fishing Cat, Taronga Zoo, Sydney
Until my visit to Taronga Zoo in Sydney last year, I didn’t know that the Fishing Cat existed. It is native to south east Asian countries. Its preferred habitat includes wetlands, rivers, creeks and swamps. It has slightly webbed feet which enable it to be an excellent swimmer. This helps it to catch fish and birds.
In its range it is endangered because its habitat is being used for farming and fishing.
It is quite a bit larger than a domestic cat.
Fishing Cat, Taronga Zoo, Sydney
Gorillas at Taronga Zoo, Sydney
Gorillas, Taronga Zoo, Sydney
One day I would really like to see Gorillas in their natural environment. I’m not sure how this is going to happen, and with the years galloping by I may no have the fitness to undertake the rigorous trek to see a gorilla in its natural habitat. In the meantime, I have to be content with glimpses like this in zoos. Not entirely satisfactory, I know, but better than not seeing them at all.
Gorilla, Taronga Zoo, Sydney
Himalayan Tahr, Taronga Zoo, Sydney
Himalayan Tahr, Taronga Zoo, Sydney
One of the animals featured on exhibit at Taronga Zoo in Sydney is the Himalayan Tahr, a close relative of the wild goat. I like seeing these animals for they remind me of the wonderful experiences I had when I trekked in Nepal a few years ago. I was fortunate to be able to see this animal in its wild state in the mountains there.
Further reading:
Himalayan Tahr, Taronga Zoo, Sydney
An unusual sign
Sign at Monarto Zoo, South Australia
I was amused by this sign on one of the gates at Monarto Zoo, an open range zoo in South Australia.
At first glance you may be wondering what is so unusual about it.
It happens to be on a gate leading into the lions’ paddock!
Not the best place to be riding a bike, I’d say.
Lions, Monarto Zoo, South Australia
Meerkats at Monarto Zoo, South Australia
Meerkat at Monarto Zoo, South Australia
My local zoo, Monarto Zoo, has a small enclosure near the Visitor Centre which always attracts a lot of attention. The enclosure is on the way from the centre to the bus stop, and almost every visitor to the zoo passes by it. It is the Meerkat enclosure. This wonderful little animal is usually a crowd favourite.
The shuttle buses take visitors on guided tours of the zoo, as well as taking them to various stops along the way. Visitors can alight at any of these stops and walk along the numerous walking trails taking them to viewing platforms o see the animals.
On my most recent visit we thought that the Meerkats had gone to ground for the night. Sunset was not too far away and the zoo was about to close. Then one of them popped out to bid us goodnight, posing for photos – as they are wont to do.
Meerkat at Monarto Zoo, South Australia
Meerkat at Monarto Zoo, South Australia
Meerkat at Monarto Zoo, South Australia