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.

Day as a zoo keeper - Cuddling meerkats and lemurs!

The second part of the day started with the ring tailed lemurs. They had 3 and they are very cheeky. Their fur is really soft and I love their expressions.

Ring Tail Lemur

Coming

We got to feed them. They love banana but aren't too keen on spinach or strawberries it seems.

Lunch

They are so soft.

Where's the food?

Looks a little drunk

Mom liked this part more than the first. She is a fan of these guys and was very happy stroking and feeding them. (I don't think she was really enjoying herself before this so I was glad she liked it at the end.)

Mom finally getting into it

Dad and his new model

Yum, spinach

Apple. Hmmmmm!

I think they were having a good chat

They love banana.

That position does nothing for his figure

Chatting

Mom loves these guys

Spotted

The last part of the zoo keeper part was cuddling the meerkats!!!!!!!

Little cuddle

We sat and they could climb and snuggle and whatever they wanted. They had little harnesses on, just to make sure they didn't run off. But they were quite happy sitting and relaxing on our laps. Or shoulders. The one we cuddled really liked to use Dad as a lookout post.

Hello!

Using Dad for lookout

Likes climbing

Interesting.

Little snuggle

Mom was also a great fan of these. He seemed to really like her and after a little fuss settled in for a mommy cuddle.

Saying hello

He felt safe with mom

So had a nap

There was another group with you on a meerkat experience. Their meerkat was super chilled out. She just lay and wanted her belly rubbed.

This one was a very laid back

Still napping

He got on with Kerry too

It's a tough world.

Hiding

Peep-a-boo

Posing

There were 2 others in the enclosure nearby with 2 younger ones. They are hoping to add them to the cuddling meerkats. Craig couldn't resist teasing them. They are so curious, it did make it easy to do so.

Craig teasing again

Hello!

We took a picnic for lunch (I got some tasty snacks to add in) and sat in the sun.  It was lovely.

Picnic!