Another Rainy Visit

Today we returned to the Koala Sanctuary for the first time since last April (I think).  Today's visit had a whole different twist that our first visit. Today is was POURING rain.  A downpour always makes visiting an outdoor wildlife that much more, interesting, shall we say.

We boarded the train to Pennant Hills early this morning. The ride was about 40 minutes due north.  After the train ride, we had a 10 minute bus ride to the park, but had to wait almost 40 minutes for the bus to arrive due to a car accident somewhere along the bus route.

Once at the park, we purchased our tickets and began our walk through the sanctuary.  It is much smaller than I remembered, but everything else remained the same. We started our visit with the wombat who, as usual, was fast asleep in his log. These guys really do not do much but eat and sleep. They are only slightly more active than the koala who sleeps about 22 hours everyday only waking to eat and "wee."

Sleeping Wombat

Tadpole, the koala.

 Next we went to see the koalas.  I am so glad that seeing these guys- no matter how often- is still just as amazing as the first time.  I just loved how this guy (below) was all cuddled up and out cold.  We did get to pet a koala today as well-- a 3 year old female named Tadpole (right).  As Tucker watched Tadpole crawl along the wall in front of us, he refused to pet her, but proudly announced that she was peeing and, indeed, she was. :)  He also called the koalas, "Dora."  Guess he still has Dora on his mind...

This is one soggy, wet koala

The poor kangaroos were out in the middle of the rain. I did not see any shelter for them, although I'm sure they must have something somewhere for them. They looked really cute all wet and soggy.  When we walked into their enclosure, they all hopped over to us. Not many visitors on a rainy day and that means not a lot of treats being handed out so our measly bag of kangaroo food had to suffice for them all.  Cooper really enjoyed talking to the roos and feeding them.  Tucker tried, but had no luck. He really didn't like their mouths on his hand. He decided instead to wander around the very muddy enclosure and see what else was going on. He found a keeper clean the area and that, my friend, was completely and totally fascinating for him- not the kangaroos, but the keeper.  

A mob of kangaroos or "hop-hops" as Tucker calls them.

Cooper feeding a kangaroo. Look at those feet!

This kangaroo took a liking to my umbrella handle....

A mama kangaroo- pregnant or full pouch? Not sure.

A sweet juvenile kangaroo.  I love this picture!

Tucker watching the keeper or "guy" as he calls any worker.

 There were many chickens walking around the grounds- all different types, colours and sizes. When we came across the first pair of chickens, Coop said, "Hi guys. Remember me?" He then continued to have a conversation with them. I am not sure what else he said because I was too busy laughing at what he said first. 

This particular rooster in the photo below was quite vocal and Coop was amazed (and a bit confused) as to why it continued to cock-a-doodle-doo even though it was the middle of the day.  After listening to him crow for a bit, Coop said, "Come on guys, let's leave him alone to do his cock-a-doodle-doing." So off we went.

I am pretty sure that one of Coop's all time favourite things in Australia is the Cockatoo. He loves finding them and talking to them and he does a mighty-fine Cockatoo impersonation if I do say so myself. So when we came upon this group of Cockatoos, Coop started up a conversation and what do you know, the Cockatoo talked back! We were not quite sure what it was saying, but they were certainly words and even some whistles!  

Kids and umbrellas are so cute? And oh-so dangerous!

I love these birds. So pretty. So pink. :)

Galah birds. 

 Although we were all soaked and a bit chilly, the morning was great fun.  There were hardly any other people at the park so we were able to really see each animal.  The kids loved jumping in the puddles and carrying their umbrellas like "adults" as Tuck says.  We heard a Cockatoo talk, petted a koala named Tadpole and fed kangaroos- how much better does it get than this?  

Two hungry, tired and wet boys waiting for the bus.