Having completed the Nikon School at Melbourne Zoo the previous day, we were itching to try out some of the advice at a different location. We took the drive to Werribee and arrived by mid-morning (even after initially missing the freeway turn-off). Werribee’s massive layout provides plenty of places for the animals to wander, which can also then provide a challenge in just finding some of the animals. Some animals, however, make themselves very obvious, like this bird that calmly walked across the pathway in front of us:
We also got really lucky with one of the gorillas happily sitting and posing in almost perfect light, in an almost perfect position for photography:
Although he sat there for several minutes, looking very impressive, he soon decided we had enough photos of him sitting and he decided to walk around a bit as another gorilla and a few rabbits joined in the photoshoot:
Next we went to visit the lions. One of the pride’s females had recently given birth and so was off away from the pride (as usually happens in the wild) bonding with her cubs. Meanwhile, it seemed that the rest of the pride was enjoying the bright sunshine. If you look closely, you might be able to see that there are in fact FOUR lions in this shot:
Need a hint? Well, behind the female in the centre of the picture is a cub from a previous litter with a back paw in the air:
And while she has her eyes closed, you might be able to spot the tail of one of the males in the background:
Meanwhile, another of the cubs was playing “tim–ber”:
Before hopping up to join the others making it now FIVE lions in this shot:
Look closely at the bush and you might notice that what may have previously looked like a bit of a rock, was in fact the rear end of another male lion. Now that he’s changed position a little, his tail is more obvious:
Got them all now?:
Like a game of musical chairs, it seems everyone suddenly got a cue to start moving and one of the big males came walking out from behind the bush, straight in front of my lens:
We then headed off to check out the fastest cat on earth, who we found also dosing in the sun:
As we watched the cheetah lay down, another very fast critter caught our attention – the Superb Fairy Wren:
He moved about so fast it was hard to keep him in the lens, get him in focus and push the shutter button before he moved again.
One “must do” on any trip to Werribee Zoo is to take the Safari Bus tour. Werribee’s open range area is so large that you would need nearly the whole day to walk around it. The bus not only makes it easier to access, but at the same time the keeper-driver provides a wonderful insight into the animals, their behaviours, the conservation efforts the zoo is contributing to and how these animals are cared for in a way that best simulates natural conditions.
Of course, some of the animals can’t resist showing off as the bus goes past:
The long-horned cattle, typically farmed alongside many iconic African animals, are impressive even sitting still:
The zebra were “dazzling”:
While some of the giraffe demonstrated their flexibility:
And curiosity:
While the ostrich kept a close eye on us:
And the rhinoceros stood guard:
Before this camel wished us farewell as the tour ended:
Another great day out and we’re certain to be returning soon when the newest lion cubs are ready to join the pride.