Zoo

I wondered if we would get to the zoo. On Sunday we did. Mum and I drove off and parked. Sally and the girls set off to collect Zoe's friend and Ian who had been to a stag night and needed to be collected from a city hotel.

We went off around the zoo with Emily while Ian, Sally and the other two girls went off to see the baby giraffe.


Emily was not too bothered about the animals and the loud shouting of the apes put her off even more. Quite a few children burst into tears when the ape shouted out next to them.

Emily had a great time on the large slide and on the balancing equipment near the monkey cages. 

 At lunch time we all met up at the 'Darwin' cafe. After lunch the Clark family and friends set off home and Irene and I stayed to see a few more of the animals.

Meercat

Tired Baby

Bengal Tiger

Adult and Baby

The adults know where
 their lunch comes from

Blue Penguins

On the way home Irene and I sat by the beach with our favourite ice-cream from Kohimarama shop.

Taronga Zoo

Yesterday Ian, Zoe, Mum and I set off for the zoo. It is set on a steep slope overlooking the harbour. The normal admission is $41 end but the cashier allowed us through a 'seniors' at $28. The Clarks already have a season ticket.

We made our way downwards; stopping at the reptiles and say 'hi' to the elephants (They are proud of their new baby elephant and it was blessed by Buddist monks at a ceremony which took place on the day of our visit.) The elephant house was built in the shape of the Temple at Amritza. It was built in 1915. Such a thing could not be built today. We passed the giraffes and apes. We had lunch. Zoe had some time at the childrens zoo and climbing frame.

The highlight of the visit was the seals and sealion display. It was really hot and really crowded. At one point we were told to watch a sealion jump up to touch a ball. I held the camera ready. The crowds appluaded. Were was the sealion? Jumping to different ball - actually the one in the centre of the three hanging balls. How silly. Not very bright - these sealions.

From the zoo there are many views of the harbour, including the bridge and the opera house.


To return to the top there is a cable car which mum refused to take. However, she was waiting at the top when we got off the car.

The adult day - being Saturday ended with the eating of chocolate and the consumption of Bundaberg ginger beer.

Auckland Zoo - 2009

The zoo remains a favourite of the children. And of many people in Auckland.

We were 'late' setting off, so no attempt was made to park in the car park. Entrance was followed by coffee. As we sat in the central area elephants were bought out on parade. Irene says she does not remember being so close to them.

Up Close and Personal

Baby Tiger

Last years tigers have given birth to babies. They have grown fast.

The howler monkeys were noisy and playful.

The Giraffes have Grown

The Lions Still Roar Lazily

Ian spotted that Emily was getting tired. She does run around quickly. He took her home. We had lunch. Zoe explored some tunnels and posed nicely on the yellow lizard.