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. 

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!

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.