Once again we headed into Melbourne Zoo in the hope of capturing some good photos on the new Carnivore’s Trail. As usual we arrived prior to the gates opening and queued up with other keen visitors. Once inside our first port of call was, naturally, to try and photograph the snow leopards. The animals, like us, are still getting used to the new enclosures and for some, including two of the snow leopards, still adjusting to smells, sights and sounds of Melbourne Zoo. Seeing little evidence of any movement in the snow leopard enclosure, we moved on with the intention of returning later in the day.
A little further down the trail is the fantastic new Sumatran Tiger enclosure. Here we eventually noticed Indrah hiding out in the back among the foliage showing how well she can camouflage herself.
Near the end of the trail we came to the African Wild Dogs. Many people think they are some kind of hyena, but hyenas are more closely related to mongooses than canines. One of the pack sat nicely in view and gave a yawn that showed us the tools they use for catching their prey.
Next stop for us was the Reptile House and a visit to one particular snake that is always a challenge to photograph. The Death Adder is perfectly coloured to blend into the surrounds and despite sitting perfectly still for hours on end as an ambush predator, trying to frame this animal well for an eye-down-the-lens shot can be troublesome. Sometimes it is hiding behind some grass, other times it is behind a rock or below the level of the viewing window frame. This time we found the Death Adder in a relatively good position, although still not in the ideal spot for the shot we really want to get (gives us yet another excuse to keep visiting).
After the Reptile House we headed up to check out the Seals and Penguins, then on to the Red Pandas who were resting in the high branches of their trees. We then took the opportunity to have a little rest in the nearby Japanese Garden and soak up the garden’s serenity. While sitting there we spotted this cute little Moorhen chick with one of its parents.
After spending around twenty minutes listening to the waterfalls and watching the Moorhen chick feeding we decided to take a walk along the Trail of the Elephants. First stop along the trail are the Asian Small-clawed Otters. These otters pair for life and the two at Melbourne Zoo are often seen cuddled up together sleeping. On this occasion, however, they were busy running around and seemingly posing for the cameras.
Next on the trail is the previous Sumatran Tiger enclosure where we saw Binjai, Indrah and Hutan’s mother, having a little rest in the dappled shade.
The Orangutans were enjoying a bit of fun in the sun and playing with straw and each other.
We then stopped by the Lemur enclosure, but the Lemurs were curled up together under a shrub in the rear of the enclosure apparently avoiding the cameras while a lizard sat in the sun on a stump.
We then took a look in on the Gorillas and watched the 2.5 year old Kanzi playing about with dad looked on with what looked like a bangle of grass around his wrist.
Then it was onto visit the White-cheeked Gibbon who’s called we heard so loudly on a previous visit.
With the day warming and our parking running out, it was time to head towards home, but we know we’ll be back again soon.