Zoos Victoria announced the Opening of Kangaroo Country would happen on 20 December, so naturally at least one of us needed to be there.
The previous day, Melbourne had some heavy thunderstorms, hail and even some flash flooding after having sweltered through a 36 degree (Celsius) lunchtime maximum. The early morning weather seemed to suggest that there might be some more rain on the way and certainly it looked a possibility on the drive up.
As always, the possibility of inclement weather is of course no deterrent to us visiting any of the zoos. Arriving shortly after the gates opened, first stop was the Koalas who were enjoying a little early morning sleep-in.
One appeared to be part cat, stretching out along a branch:
Which gave an opportunity to take a closer look at the right “hand”:
Another gave a look that suggested they really were up late partying the previous night:
Kangaroo Country was due to open around midday with a media event at 10am, but thanks to a long lens, it was possible to get a little sneak peak of what was in store.
Although one of the Kangaroos seemed to be giving me directions:
While a big male also seemed keen to see what was on the inside:
With a few hours available before the official opening, there was time to visit a few of the other animals, passing by the Brolgas first:
Next was the Tasmanian Devils:
Before some quality time in the aviary with the Kookaburra:
While the Regent Bowerbird seemingly chirruped for some attention:
This beautiful bird looks very similar to the Helmeted Honeyeater, but is much larger and actually a darker yellow in colour.
While leaving the aviary, the Helmeted Honeyeater flew up to the wire and sat so close that a macro lens would have been needed. This magical close encounter was eventually cut short by other visitors approaching, which then resulted in the bird’s retreat back into the trees and enabled a few shots without a lens change.
The Helmeted Honeyeater is not only Victoria’s state bird, but is also critically endangered. Zoos Victoria is working hard to prevent the species from going extinct and recently announced the release of four birds from the captive breeding program.
Next stop was the reptile house:
And then the Lyrebird enclosure. Whilst the Lyrebirds were well hidden, the Superb Fairy Wren was attracting attention:
And the Eastern Yellow Robin was checking us out:
Next were the Dingos:
Finally it was time to visit the new Kangaroo Country exhibit:
A few people were enjoying a close encounter with a very cheeky (and stubborn) wombat:
While some of the other residents were relaxing in the sun:
The star of the exhibit has to be the Goodfellows Tree Kangaroos, Mani and Bagum. As unlikely as it seems, this species of kangaroo actively climbs trees and Zoos Victoria have provided them with a tree house perched high in the branches.
The comforts of the tree house didn’t prevent Mani and Bagum from exploring the surrounding branches and showing their natural agility.
Aside from providing Mani and Bagum with comfortable lodgings, Zoos Victoria is working hard to fight the potential extinction of the Goodfellows Tree Kangaroo, including through the cultivation of coffee plantations.
After spending a fair amount of time watching Mani and Bagum, it was time to head home and, on the way, stop by the Zoo Shop to pick up some fresh coffee beans and help out the Goodfellows Tree Kangaroos.