Looking back - Monarto Safari Park

Looking back over 2021, one fascinating experience comes to mind that I'd like to share with you - in April, a dear friend said she'd always wanted to visit Monarto Safari Park (here in South Australia, about an hour's drive from Adelaide CBD), so following are some images from our day out there .....

Ahhh, the ever popular and entertaining Meerkats!

It seemed poor Mum was craving an afternoon nap, but Junior had other ideas!

Meanwhile, this relative was feeling the cooler temperatures that day and didn't seem too happy about it

Peek a boo - I see you!

Ahh, my favourite - the big cats 😍

 Sending warmest wishes to my fellow bloggers and, wherever you are, I pray you are safe and well as we lead up to Christmas and another year.  Thank you, once again, to the loyal team of people who oversee Our World Tuesday - Bravo!

Back in July-August, I undertook a house & cat "sit" in the Gippsland region of Victoria (my favourite Australian State!). Sadly, due to Covid-19, there were several lockdowns during those 6 weeks, meaning I could not get out and about with my camera, so I revived a hobby from my teen years - watercolour painting and discovered another relaxing way to express my creativity;  thinking I will continue along this path - here's a recent effort :

A Special Encounter

Ever had a time when life's challenges threaten to get on top of you .... then God sends an angel to lift your spirits?  Well I was blessed with such an experience yesterday when a good friend invited me to join her on a photo-shoot away from suburbia.

It was a glorious day weather-wise with an estimated top temperature of 24C, and a gentle breeze made for a comfortable outing. 

We drove along country lanes new to me en route to Mt Crawford Forest and were amazed at the number of families who had already established their tents and caravans and were sitting around protected campfires relaxing as school holidays had just begun.

Then we stopped in Warren Conservation Park - a lovely section of the Heysen Trail where we settled for about 3/4 hour. Was delighted to have a rabbit suddenly appear behind the log I was leaning against and we observed each other for some 5 minutes.  

Subsequently a Spotted Pardalote obliged me by sitting in clear view on a nearby branch while I focussed, and was thrilled with the result.

Linking up with the lovely team at Our World Tuesday and Wild Bird Wednesday

Monarto Safari Park

Last week a dear friend and I visited Monarto Safari Park, about an hour's drive east of Adelaide. It covers more than 1500 ha and is home to 50+ species of exotic and native mammals, birds & reptiles with more than 500 animals roaming in a natural safari-style setting.  

Currently the Park is in the process of becoming the largest safari park outside of Africa and, in due course, will offer resort accommodation together with open-sided vehicle tours. At present tours are provided by bus that takes you through territory occupied by lions, cheetahs, giraffes, rhinoceros, zebra, wild Mongolian horses, ostrich & emu to mention a few.

In addition, one can choose to have more "up close & personal" experiences with selected animals and a keeper - we opted for feeding the giraffes!

The weather was great and it was a full but wonderful day out.  

Ahh yes, the ever-entertaining Meerkat

This youngster was having a wonderful time disturbing the adult's rest!

After all its playtime, it just wanted a cuddle

Another youngster was fascinated with a thick rubber band

.... and so to the giraffe-feeding experience

Gotta love those eyelashes !

The keeper told us this sight would be a rarity in Africa because the giraffes are too vulnerable to attack by predators in this position - it takes them too long to stand up and get moving.  However, there is no such threat here in Monarto.

. . . . then onto the "Zoo Loop" bus

Joining in the fun at Our World Tuesday with grateful thanks to the team hosting.

Another stunning day

Yet another stunning day in Adelaide, South Australia yesterday, so made a visit to Gorge Wildlife Park in the Adelaide Hills, just a short 20 minute drive away. Following are just some of the creatures seen . . . .

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo

  

Peek-a-boo!

Spoonbill

... a bad hair day??!

 (I prefer seeing & hearing the Kookaburras au naturale !)

... and no Wildlife Park visit is complete without the captivating Meerkats!

  

Hope you enjoyed sharing yesterday's adventure - check out more

happenings from around the world at

Our World Tuesday