Crikey! Crocks rule!

What a day! With the time change we were up with the sun, but it worked out in our favor because we were able to get out the door by 8:15 and arrived at Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo just as it opened. As we walked in we were greeted by some of the zoo keepers with animals in their hands. Josiah pet a baby alligator, a blue tongued lizard and talked with a beautiful white macaw. A couple of the zoo keepers we talked with we later found out were the main entertainers/faces of the zoo. We realized then and there that this was a zoo like no other.


As we walked through the zoo, we noticed how lush all the landscape was and how close each animal felt, yet they were still in a very natural environment. It was beautiful. Because we were at the zoo early, the weather was not too hot and so many of the animals were out and active. Josiah loved seeing the camels, but then he saw the sheep.... He began running towards them yelling, "Hi sheep!" It was so perfect for our trip because of the thousands of sheep we saw in New Zealand he always wanted to pet them, and here in Australia, he could! (As much as he wanted for as long as he wanted.) It was precious and so special. And we had just barely started the zoo!


We then had the opportunity to feed an Asian elephant. Josiah was a little nervous at first, but as soon as he was done, he wanted to feed it more and was even willing to give up his apple for the elephant. He kept showing us his hand that the elephant had eaten from, asking "more." but it didn't stop there. We went into the Kangaroo Haven. Where we walked with, fed, and hung out with wallabies, kangaroos and red kangaroos. We even scratched them behind their ears and under their chins like our dog, they were very personable- even when Josiah put one in a head lock trying to give it a hug. After the kangaroos we went on a koala walk, where we walked amongst sleeping koalas and even were able to pet one and see some young ones sleeping in the trees. They were so precious!


We also watched an animal entertainment show in the Crocoseum. It was a great show. There were snakes, crocs (of course) and many different types of birds that flew throughout the stadium and super close to us. It was breath taking! The show was bitter sweet as well because it reminded us how neat and entertaining Steve Irwin was and how much he taught everyone about conservation for animals.

As our time at the zoo was winding down, Peter and I began to bet on what time Josiah would fall asleep. He was out within 10 minutes once we were in the car, and he slept for two and a half hours ( the longest of our trip). Finally after he woke up, we were able to go for a swim in the pool.


What a great start to our time in Australia!































The Olsen's <><