Day as a zoo Keeper - Servals, owls and snakes

Last weekend we all went over to Telford to Hoo Fram for a zoo keeper day. It was amazing. I took so many photos - which is why the day has been split into multiple posts. I really recommend this to anyone in the area (to not - it's worth the travel). And we were there on a really good day. They had a baby armadillo there! Seriously my new favourite animal! He was so cute and loved having his belly rubbed or sitting curled over your hand. He was so adorable!

With my new Favourite!

Who wouldn't love him?

So cute!

With his furry little tummy.

We started out with the giant tortoises. Not the most exciting of animals.

Lively.

But then got to meet a little hedgehog. He was very cute but we woke him up so kept trying to snuggle into his blanket. But that meant he snuggled himself out of the other end. Sweet though you then had to carefully push him back in. But he really stank!

Curious.

Tired.

Kerry was not keen on the smell.

Next to the snakes. This one was a Burmese python. And huge. But she was much nicer to hold than Kerry and Craigs snake. Norman is too fast and you can never tell where he is going. This one was definitely a lot bigger and fatter, but moved a lot slower.

Checking it out.

Too close!

Kerry looking at home. 

The snake was very curious about cameras. 

Dad with the latest in snake scarves.

Craig is a lot happier with snakes these days.

Not sure where she is going at this point.

They also had a raccoon out. And not just any racoon but a famous one. This is Rocky, who was the model for Rocky in the Guardians of the Galaxy film. He did climb all over my shoulders and scratched my neck up. But considering how dangerous racoons are (they like to scratch off faces), he was quite pleasant and friendly.

Checking for food.

Happy to pose.

The next stop was the Servals, a relative of the Cheetah. This one was just tired and lazy. (It was a hot day and in the UK they are probably not used to it.) But he was happy to sit and be stroked and have his chin tickled. Very laid back.

Chilling.

:)

Enjoying a chin tickle.

Ready to be left alone now.

Dad did get some really good photos later that day when the cats moved. Wish I could take the credit for the next 2 but I can't.

Craig couldn't resit teasing him with some grass. But they really are like a big house cats. 

Teasing.

Next was the owls. This one was used on the set of Harry Potter (I thing they get a fair few old actor animals going there for their retirement). He was happy to be passed around and stroked. He did scratch up my arm a bit (he missed to glove when it was my turn) but it just matched my neck so no big deal! :)

Dad having a hold.

Reflections.

Pretty.

Craig and his owl

Kerry admiring.

He was very soft.

Mom wasn't keen. I don't think was a fan of any of the animals up to this point.