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Published: December 31st 2008
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Melbourne, Australia - December 31st - 4:51pm
So Lee had to stay at work today as Luc and Charmaine were heading out on tours. I headed out to the Healesville Sanctuary (Sanitarian as a few guests called it yesterday). It’s somewhere in the middle of a zoo and seeing the animals in their natural habit. I met Lee in the theatre at 8:25am and was shipped out right away with the group. We had a little confusion counting the tickets and people, I had one 42, Joy (tour guide) had 43, Lee had 44, we all finally all learnt how to count and got the correct number.
We had about an hour and a half bus ride to the Sanctuary. We split up into groups for our tour guides to escort us around. We only have about 2 hours and there is a lot to see, Lee gave me the heads up to see everything on my own. I started out with the group but things were moving too slow and I wanted to make sure that I saw everything. So I darted off. I saw things very quickly but after you see the map you realize that you don’t
have much time. I started with the tour at the Emu’s, I got some good pictures as the one walked right up to the fence. The Koalas were being Koalas and sitting in the tree doing nothing but sleeping. They looking very peaceful and pleasant. I then got to the Kangaroos. There was a little Joey (baby Kangaroo) about 7 months old hoping around. He came right up to us and the zoo keeper was allowing us to pet him. So I didn’t skip a beat and got right up and petted the 7 month old Joey. He was so adorable and soft, I tried to bring him home but he hopped away from me.
I went to the Australian Wildlife Health Centre (vet) but they weren’t working, it seems like a very nice facility but nothing was going on so I continued on my journey. Next stop Platypus, if anyone’s actually seen a platypus in real life you’re know what I’m talking about, they are very small though. I thought they were much bigger but they are only the size of my forearm in length. They are nocturnal animals so it was hard to see them with the
little nearly off, but I did manage. Apparently they close their eyes under water and use the electromagnetic currents from other animals to find their prey. I quickly walked through the reptile stations and the birds. I stopped to see the Pelicans that were much bigger than I thought as well. They stood to about my shoulders in height. I was quiet disappointed as I didn’t get to see the Wombats or Tasmanian Devils. They both have youngens which aren’t very old and something scared the wombat into its home. The Tasmanian devil is a nocturnal animal that was sleeping when I went by. They usually have a camera which is filming the inside of their home, but it wasn’t on today. I was a little upset about the Tasmanian devil as they are becoming extinct. They have developed a facial tumour that is killing the specie fast. They say that in the next 5 years there won’t be any more Tasmanian Devils in the world, which is sad.
I then got to the Lyrebirds. I had to make sure I saw one as Dad, Mom, Rob, Cara and Joanne saw videos on youtube about these fascinating birds. I
was looking on the ground for these birds with the large tail feathers. I couldn’t see them at all and at this point was getting very tired. I left the area and saw a zoo keeper coming towards me. Before I even asked he said “Have you seen our Lyrebird yet?” I was like No, where is he. Not 2 seconds later he pointed the male out. He was up in a tree so it was hard to see and his feathers were just growing back. They lose their feathers after breeding season and only mimic the sounds they hear during breeding season. So unfortunately I didn’t get to see it doing its dance and song for his mate, but the zoo keeper said that it was definitely something to see. So for those of you who have never heard of the Lyrebird, I suggest going on to youtube and checking it out. It is quite remarkable. So Yes Rob, Lyrebirds to exist and they do mimic all those noises, such as chainsaws and camera shutter noises.
I walked around some more then jumped back on the bus to head back to the ship. No real complaints from the
guests which was nice.
Lee was waiting for me when I got back and they were meeting up with an old co-worker that lives in Melbourne for coffee. Lee and I quickly had a bite to eat as I was starving and meet up with Leah. She seems like a nice girl. Francesca and Lee enjoyed themselves. We parted ways and came back on board to relax a bit.
I’m going to run upstairs to see how a few more things work in the office and then some shore ex is going to head out to Audrey’s (tour operator) house for pizza and drinks. We are then going to head down to the beach where there is an excellent view of the fireworks and we get to see the penguins coming back from their day of hunting. It’s going to be great. So everyone, have a great New Years and I’ll talk to you next year.
I’ll fill you in tomorrow on how the night goes.
Miss everyone so much and love you all.
HAPPY NEW YEARS EVERYONE!
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