Cotswolds Zoo with Friends

I spent last weekend in the Cotswolds with Matt, El, Clare and little baby Olivia. We couldn't go to our usual cottage but found a really good alternative. On the Saturday we went to the Cotswolds Zoo. All for Olivia of course, even though she slept through most of it. The adults however loved it. The weather was hit and miss but they had little shelters from the drizzle and we had umbrellas.

The best bit was at the start. Rhinos. And there was a baby! Baby Alan was born 13th September so roughly the same age as Olivia.  

Baby Alan

They came so close! There was just a little wall and ditch and they went into the ditch to snacks. Little Alan had some issues get out though; it was a bit slippy.

Olivia was a bit confused by them.

Next was the giraffe and they were inside by the viewing platforms, having lunch so we got really close to them.

Not sure how impressed she is.

I really recommend this zoo. They have big enclosures and lots of animals. And many I have never heard of.

Lion pack

Yawn.

Gundi.

Cloudy leopard.

Capybara 

Matt attempted the kids play ground but gave up.

We lucked in and were in time for the penguin feeding. There was one little cute one who was playing the clown, swimming on his side, waving his flipper and splashing. The Happy feet of the bunch.

food! food!

We spent the evening at the cottage watching a movie and playing with the baby.

Yes we dressed her up.

Sunday we went to Bourton-on-the-water for a walk around and lunch. One shop was packed so Matt and I stayed outside with the buggy so we entertained ourselves.

Shiny object!

Trying to make her smile.

Milk coma face - and blackmail material for later in life.

Tickling a Tapir

One of the reasons for going to the zoo (other than why not) was they do animal experiences. They are for up to 4 people but I was the only one in the group (being practically the only one in the zoo helps). So I got to go into the Tapir enclosure and play. 

They are so much bigger than I expected but just as sweet. I was warned they if they come towards you, move to the side. Not because they are violent; they are just super clumsy. They tend to walk through things. :) And you do not want one of them stepping on your foot. They are solidly built! 

I feed them some carrots outside. You have to sort of post it into their mouths because their noses get in the way. 

Then we went into the hut and I got a brush to give them a good rub. They are part of the Rhino and horse family so have a thin skin with a bit of hair, and a surprisingly soft mohican.

They love a good scratch under the chin

Feeling left out.

Later they lay down for a belly rub, like a big puppy! They are so sweet. 

Amazon Zoo

The Amazon Zoo was open on the Monday and again I had it mostly to myself. I planned to spend the whole day there but once again, the website and brochures overstated the extent of the place. Still it was definitely worth a visit. The first half is indoors through a rainforest like path.

Evil eye.

Tortoise mayhem.

This little guy was going crazy, running around the place.

Unhappy.

The second half of the zoo was outdoor enclosures, including a meerkat enclosure. These guys are always happy to pose for photos.

Caught!

They also had some monkey enclosures though the monkeys were less than impressed. The weather was drizzly and cold so I don't blame them.

There was also an enclosure for one of my favourites, red pandas. They eat mostly bamboo so sleep a lot. With periods of insane activity running around like loons. 

Spotted food.

Through the day, they have animal talks so I caught the lemur talk. We got to go inside the enclosure while they were being fed. They have a family of 7 females and a male. They are a female led species, with the males being the bottom of the food chain.

Dad was eating before he was supposed to.

Feeling sorry for himself.

I stayed after the 3 other people left and chatted with the keeper. While having a chat, one of the lemurs decided I looked like a comfy spot and climbed up to sit on my shoulder. And groom me. Which was fine until Dad decided to join and got a smack for it. I was not a fan of being in a family dispute but they jumped off and left me alone after that. 

I stayed longer so I could meet the tapirs but I have decided to put that in another post.

After the Zoo I tried to go to the lighthouse but it was shut so I just headed back and had a nap.