Royal Melbourne Zoo, Victoria
For
this new post I’ve chosen to go a little different and step away from the ‘epic
faraway destination’ theme. The Royal Melbourne Zoo, a daytrip every visitor
has to take! A short tram or train ride from the city to Parkville is the focus
good reader, so I hope you enjoy.
Royal Melbourn Zoo, Victoria (taken 2015)
Several
months ago I was discussing The Sheep Was
Here with co-workers and a passing comment about the landmark made me
wonder if it was entitled to its own spot in the light; further talk had my
decision set in stone but somewhere down the line I realised that that wasn’t
my only reason for writing this post. The Melbourne Zoo is in my opinion where
our earliest memories and love for the world really takes flight.
In getting there it’s an easy drive or if you
don’t care for traffic or paying for parking just take the Upfield train and
hop off at Royal Park or the number 55 tram from Williams Street; the stations
are skipping distance from the rear entrance. Entry fees vary but members can
visit for free. The Royal Melbourne Zoo is a part of Zoos Victoria, an
organisation that includes Werribee Open Range Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary.
Royal Melbourne Zoo, Victoria (taken 2015)
Following
its establishment on October 6th, 1862 the zoo was first utilised to
acclimatise domestic animals to Australia, but by 1870 exotic species began to
be introduced. In those days it was the norm for animals to spend their time
behind bars (these original enclosures are still on display) and be thrown
peanuts, but gradually things began improving within the mid twentieth century.
Melbourne
was the first to open an enclosure simulating African savannah for its lions (in
2015 an upgraded enclosure was opened) which influenced many other
organisations around the world. Upgrades have been awarded to other exhibits
containing orang-utans, seals, Asian elephants and other species with many more
to come. In addition they place a strong emphasis on conservation and are
working to save many species from extinction, as well as supporting groups abroad
that share the same objective.
Royal Melbourne Zoo, Victoria (taken 2015)
On a more ‘touristy’
note, the place is definitely somewhere you’ll enjoy getting lost in. As it’s
written above, this is where our earliest memories can take flight. I’ve been
coming here for years and the place has never failed to impress, even when a
galah bit my finger at the age of three (No hard feelings but I’m a little
annoyed that they didn’t have that fence surrounding the aviary at the time.
That little feature being there then would’ve prevented my sister from quoting
my ‘cocky bite’ line for years on end).
Royal Melbourne Zoo, Victoria (taken 2015)
Other
more promising memories include giant tortoises that, truthfully, have some
speed in them and the gorillas, seeing baby Yakini for the first time and a
full grown one punch the glass we were watching it through (touristy note,
these guys take
the best pictures).
The Zoo has had its share of momentous births and they always bring out a
crowd.
Another recollection
includes the panther that’s no longer on display; I remember one visit where I
saw the big cat moving through its enclosure. Can’t really explain why but this
image has always resonated with me, but since the panther is no longer on
display I’m usually drawn towards the other big cats.
Additionally this place isn’t just
for children wanting to see wonders from around the world; in my time I’ve seen
and been one of the individuals who’ve gone there with sketchbook and pencil to
draw what’s on display (I would’ve done some sketches on my last photo taking
venture but the heat was on) and come February visitors are welcomed to
experience the Rhythm of Africa; musical performances that can liven up your
evening. If that’s not enough, you can spend the night inside the walls during
a Roar ‘n’ Snore experience and see the animals when they’re more active. During
the day, Behind-the-scenes and Close-up encounters are available.
Royal Melbourne Zoo, Victoria (taken 2015)
In saying all of this
and at the risk of repeating myself too many times, the Zoo truly is a place to
consider should you be swinging by Melbourne for a time. It has entertained and
delighted many generations and continues to do so which I was happy to witness
not long ago; my sister and her husband recently took their children there for
the first time and seeing the photos on the Bookface really brought to light
days of old. Not only that, passing wisdom onto my niece had its moments.
‘Don’t
stick your finger in the aviary.’
It’s
something that cannot be missed.
Link: www.zoo.org.au/melbourne
(Taken by the Sheep, 2015)
