Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Sunday 28 November 2021

Sunday Selections #561

 


Sunday Selections was originally brought to us by Kim, of Frogpondsrock, as an ongoing meme where participants could post previously unused photos languishing in their files.
Huge thanks to Cie who gave me this wonderful Sunday Selections image.
The meme was then continued by River at Drifting through life.  Sadly she has now stepped aside (though she will join us some weeks), and I have accepted the mantle. 
The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent.  Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to me. Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen.  
I usually run with a theme.  Our damp/wet days continue.  Yesterday I had to attend a Lifeline meeting for people who volunteer to support our counsellors.  I don't like meetings.  I really don't.  Lifeline sweetened the blow by providing lunch - except that my ongoing nausea meant that option was not attractive at all.  However, the meeting was held at our National Zoo and Aquarium and entrance was included.  So I went early and happily wandered round for a few hours.   Lots of photos follow (for a change) and I will probably show more over the coming weeks.  As an aside during this very wet spring the zoo has given people whose day is spoiled by rain (a minimum of 1mm has to fall) the option to come back (free of charge) any time in the next week.  If there are no dry days that time frame is extended.
Settle back with your beverage of choice.  It was cool (14C at a maximum) and damp and I had a delightful (but very tiring) time.  I did get my 10,000 wobbly, muddy steps in.



The Scrivener Dam spillway continues to overflow.  The zoo is on the opposite bank.


The laughing hyena wasn't laughing - but seemed to be pretty comfortable just the same.



This goldfish had reached an impressive size and wasn't with the otters in the next few photos.  I don't think it would have lasted long.






 I adore the big cats and the next photos are from some which are quite close to the entrance to the zoo.  I couldn't see the leopard but there are photos of tigers, cheetahs and serval cats to come in a later post.



The female is Mishka, and the male Jake.  Apparently they, and many other animals at the zoo, really missed people during lockdown.  Many of the keepers moved to the zoo to keep them company - though I gather that having a lion roaring outside your window is not conducive to a good night's sleep.







Sorry, but I don't know the names of these lions.  All the animals in the zoo are given names, and I have seen Jake and Mishka respond to theirs.


I am finishing this post with a 'common' house sparrow.  Their numbers have been in decline and I was thrilled to see this one at the lion's enclosure.

Zoos have come a long way.  This one is privately owned and devotes a great deal of time and money to enrich the lives of the animals it houses - and it also donates considerable sums to world-wide conservation projects.  It isn't cheap to go there, but I don't begrudge a cent of the charges.

I hope your week is wild and wonderful.





117 comments:

  1. Dear EC
    I really enjoyed the photos of the otters and lions. It is good that these animals are being cared for so well and that other animals benefit too. Thank you for sharing your visit.
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Ellie Foster: Thank you. The animals are very well cared for, and quite a number of free loading native animals do well there too.

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  2. "Many of the keepers moved to the zoo to keep them company."
    You had a chance to volunteer to set up a tent inside the lion enclosure. There still may be time!

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    1. Mike: If I had the qualifications they needed I would have been there in a heart beat. No tent though.

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  3. Love these! Zoos that strive to keep the surroundings natural are so important for the animals. The hyena might not be laughing but the lions are smiling. :) That's so interesting that they determined the animals missed their human admirers. Thank you for sharing. I miss the zoo from my old hometown so much.

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    1. River Fairchild: The zoo works hard to keep the animals healthy - in mind and in body. It shows. And yes, the big cats (all of them) looked very, very content.

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  4. I love the animals, but, I really love the Lion with on maine, BEAUTIFUL EC.

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    1. Bob Bushell: Those manes are spectacular aren't they?

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  5. "Steve? Is that you?"

    (imagine big goofy, grinning emoji )

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    1. dinahmow: Steve would have been right at home. And my grin was big and goofy as I watched them play.

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  6. A very enjoyable - and tiring - outing, I am sure.

    Mishka is quite beautiful.

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    1. Caterina: It was lovely - and I agree with you about Mishka.

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  7. I love your photo of the laughing hyena- it's so cute. :D
    -Quinley

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    1. Quinley: I really liked the hyena - though I am not sure I would call it cute.

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  8. Good to see these wonderful photos again. And good that you managed to get those steps, keep at it. 14 c, sounds tropical, we have -4 c this evening, winter here with a vengence, but at our age, and the virus spiralling again, we are content to cuddle down and wait for this terrible time to be over. Hugs...

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    1. lostinimaginaryworlds.blogspot.com: How lovely to see you again. We are moving into summer so 14C is cool - and some of the people at the meeting were complaining bitterly. I hope that the times improve for you, for us, for the world...

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  9. The animals are wonderful...but, oh...how beautiful the big cats are! They are magnificent...I adore them, and could look at them for hours on end.

    Sorry to hear you're still not feeling well, EC. Keep taking good care. Don't over do things. I hope the coming week treats you more kindly. Take care. Cuddles to Jazz. :)

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    1. Lee: Like you I can admire the big cats (and plenty of other animals) for hours at a time. I hope you and the furry overlords are having a wonderful weekend.

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  10. Free entrance to the zoo a definite plus.
    That lioness looks beyond well fed...

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    1. Alex J. Cavanaugh: If your visit has been rained out it is a generous offer. Mind you, it rained a bit yesterday and it didn't bother me at all. Are you saying that Mishka is fat? I would disagree with you. Firmly.

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  11. I do like a working spillway.
    Some of the animals aren't troubled at all by rain.
    The big cats all look so friendly. Wouldn't hurt a fly.

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    1. Andrew: I suspect all of our spillways are working overtime at the moment. Himself is away or I would have agitated for a trip to one of the other ones. I don't think the big cats would bother a fly. Some other animals might not be so lucky.

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  12. What a lovely tour! We have many otters here who are so playful. And the lions are so majestic, sad to hear they were all lonely but heartened by the keepers spending extra time with them.

    XO
    WWW

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    1. Wisewebwoman: Otter are always a delight aren't they? During our hard lockdown, many of the keepers chose the zoo over their family...

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  13. Those magnificent beasts, I'm in awe of them and all creation. At the same time I feel sad that they are incarcerated when they could be free and roaming the wild.
    Maybe humans will soon take their living space for their own and there will be no animals free to roam.

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    1. Friko: I am in complete agreement with you. Sadly there are fewer and fewer parts of the world where animals can safely roam. For far too many, a zoo is the safest place. Which I mourn.

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  14. Beautiful shots of the lions - so majestic, and obviously very well looked after. I love otters and never miss a chance to visit them (when they're not in lockdown!)
    I'm sorry to hear that you are still being troubled by nausea, EC - take care x

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    1. Alexia: I am pleased to find yet another huge otter fan. And yes, the lions are very obviously very, very well cared for. Sadly the nausea seems to be something I have to live with; so I do (but not happily).

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  15. I have such a big smile on my face from those lions, thank you. I love watching the otters when I go to the zoo, which isn't often enough but the entrance fees are prohibitive. I know the takings are used for the zoo, but still...
    I may go again once I have had my booster shot.

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    1. River: When can you get your booster shot? I am not eligible until January (unless my imunocompromised state moves me up the queue). The lions and the otters are both lovely aren't they?

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  16. I can understand that lions et al. got utterly bored; it's so interesting to watch strange bipeds in their cages.
    Fine photos, and may soonish there be lots of health upon you.

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    1. Sean Jeating: Watching us, watching them... And thank you.

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  17. who could resist those great big kitty cats? just gorgeous. I'm so pleased you got to do that

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    1. kylie: I certainly couldn't resist them. And thank you.

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  18. What magnificent animals are those big cats. They looks so peaceful and well taken care of. Thanks for sharing these great photos with us.

    I hope that the rain stop soon. Here in Canada, on the West Coast and on the East Coast, the rain is never ending and there is bad flooding and much damage and more of the same to come.

    Hope you feel better and that you wake up to sunshine.
    Hugs,
    Julia

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    1. Julia: Thank you. It isn't sunny but there has been no rain today - and none is expected until later in the week. I have heard about Canada's flooding. The same is true in parts of Oz.
      I hope you are safe.

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  19. Hola hijo de elefante!!!
    Que bella entrada!
    Me encanta que aunque no te gusten la reuniones( a mi tampoco en verdad) hayas podido disfrutar de este recorrido por el zoo y hacer estas capturas maravillosas.
    al igual que tu me encantan los felinos grandes y se ven hermosos y tranquilos disfrutando de ese espacio.
    Se entiende que hayas terminado el paseo muy cansado porque imagino que debe ser un zoologico muy grande!! Te deseo un hermoso fin de semana, con buena salud y alegria. Besossss

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    1. eli mendez: Thank you. It is a large small zoo - if that makes sense and I was very glad to have been given the opportunity to wander round. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

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  20. The humble sparrow is my friend too. Those lions are magnificent! How touching that they missed their socialization with people admiring them. I admire you my friend. Thank you for your visits which always cheer my day

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    1. Cloudia: I was very glad to see the sparrow. At one time we used to see lots of them, but haven't for years. And yes, the lions were truly magnificent. I gather (from a brother who volunteers at the zoo) that many of the animals were bored without people to watch and applaud the keepers who moved in.

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  21. That spillway is impressive. It shows how much rain you have gotten. Loved the laughing hyena. Never saw one before, but have read about them.

    Oh, those amazing lions. How majestic. I was surprised to read they need human socialization. It's great what that zoo is doing. I'm quite impressed. They truly seem to care about their animals, especially their lions.

    Our zoo spent millions on getting five new elephants to Wichita from Africa, where they were endangered. They expanded and now these elephants have tons of free range. There was one elephant already at the zoo and these have put the Wichita Zoo on the map as being one of the best zoos in the country because of these elephants. I look forward to learning more about your National Zoo next week. Thanks for taking me and sharing your incredible photos, dear.

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    1. Bleubeard and Elizabeth: I suspect you will also like the African Painted Dogs which I will show in a later post. This zoo DOES care about their animals - and it shows. It has no elephants though. Thank you for your visit and your kind words.

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  22. I loved seeing your beautiful zoo, with what looks like very happy residents. I am usually not a fan of zoos, but this one looks quite humane. Love the gorgeous cats! More would not be frowned upon. :-)

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    1. DJan: I would much rather that the animals could live wild and free but sadly that is no longer an option for far too many of them. This zoo works hard (as it should) to make its animals happy.

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  23. As i always point out, it's okay for us not to know an animal's name, the animal knows who s/he is. Yes, sometimes they indulge us and respond to what we call them as well.

    You took some wonderful photos, i am looking forward to more.

    My selections are going to be over here.

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    1. messymimi: The animals do indeed know who they are. And, as you say, sometimes indulge us. I look forward, as I always do, to seeing your Selections.

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  24. I am in awe of these creatures. I hope you will feel better this week.

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    1. e: Thank you. I am awed by them too. I hope you and Lukas have a healthy, happy week.

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  25. Bellos animales espero que sean felices. Te mando un beso

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    1. J.P.Alexander: Thank you. I hope that you are healthy and happy too.

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  26. Dear E.C.! All animals of zoo you shared seem to be comfortable. But Hyena looks realy so sad. Hope it isnt ill?

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    1. bread&salt: The hyena was under the shelter out of the rain. I am totally confident that if it was ill the zoo staff would both care for it, and shield it from curious eyes.

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  27. The cats are beautiful. It sounds like a visit to that zoo would be worth spending the entire day there and still want more time. I love the photos. Wish there was a zoo near me. Have a great week my friend.

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    1. Mason Canyon: While I am ambivalent about zoos I have never ever visited that one without being awed, impressed and reveling in the animals. You have an excellent week too.

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  28. I'm so sorry to hear your nausea is unabated - what an awful thing. I hope you find relief soon.

    Your zoo photos are great fun. The otters always make me smile - we spotted three sea otters frolicking on the beach here a few weeks ago. And the lions look very contented - the zoo must be doing a good job! :-)

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    1. Diane Henders: The nausea seems to be a medication reaction. And possibly/probably the lesser of two evils.
      You have seen sea otters? My eyes are glowing green. Bright green.

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    2. Yes, we were delighted when we saw otters in the wild! Living on the coast is still a novelty to us, so when we spotted three otters frolicking on the beach, we immediately pulled over to watch. (Fortunately we could pull over safely.) One of the otters had a fish in its mouth, and it must have been a family group because it didn't seem bothered by its companions' attempts to get their share. They soon vacated the beach, but we were grinning the whole time we watched!

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    3. Diane Henders: I would have been grinning too - probably so widely that my face hurt.

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  29. Concerning the weather we are sitting in the same boat !!! The lions look so royal ! All photos are very good and it looks like a very pleasant place.

    https://gattinawritercramps.blogspot.com/2021/11/sunday-selections.html?m=1

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    1. Gattina: Thank you. It is a lovely place to while away a few hours. I am heading over to check out your Sunday Selections now.

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  30. The hyena caught me by surprise! I thought the dingos were mutating! Wonderful images. It's good that the animals can be outside. I hate old fashioned zoos where they are locked inside cold concrete cells.

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    1. Bill: There will be shots of our dingoes in later zoo posts. I share your loathing for oldfashioned zoos. There is concrete in this zoo, and cages, but where ever possible the animals have access to a much more natural environment - which I am sure they appreciate.

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  31. Lovely collection of photos and selection.
    I do believe the big cat is smiling.
    The water does look neat there and certainly lots of it.
    Hope you are feeling better soon.

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    1. Margaret D: Thank you. I hope that the big cats (and a lot of the other animals) WERE smiling.

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  32. It's almost time to come up with a new name for what we have traditionally called zoos. Most of the good ones, all perhaps, are really centres of conservation, and are the last hope for some animals. As you say, admission fees are generally quite high, but the money is put to good use. Like you I don't begrudge it.

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    1. David M. Gascoigne: Conservation Centre sounds good to me - except that the name change would probably in the short term at least discourage some visitors.

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  33. @ EC – Wonderful to see so much rain … I just hope it doesn't flood too much; love the laughing hyena – much better than destroying things in the Okavango; the otters are delightful … very pale-coloured lions … well ,til lower down! They look as though they've all been combed and brushed.

    Lovely set of photos – while it's great to see the private zoo here … early on zoos did so much research on wildlife – but I do know some of the animals were kept in awful conditions – interesting to know the animals needed to be cheered on by the visitors and that the keepers stepped in.

    Looking forward to more cats next time – cheers and enjoy the wind-down to a cooler winter-time. Stay safe - Hilary

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    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: Both Jake and Mishka are white lions. I always make a special trip to see them when I am at the zoo - and the other lions are opposite them. Which doesn't seem to bother either of them. Jake was doing some grumbling roars while I was there, and the other lions dozed on. I really love the research/conservation that many zoos do now. Sadly our winter is some time off (though our Spring has been cooler than usual). I hope your season is being kind, and that you enjoyed your visitors.

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  34. If that's not a smile on Mishka's face, I don't know what is :D Great pictures, EC. Love each and every one. I have a few zoo and sanctuary feeds in my Facebook now, and they truly seem very different from the zoos of old. The animals receive the best of veterinary care, enrichment, training, and habitat. In many cases it's the best way to breed endangered species so they don't disappear completely. In other cases it saves wounded or disabled creatures and allows them a good quality of life. I'm glad you got this chance to spend a few hours in a lovely spot.

    Have a good week, dear friend.

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    1. jenny_o: Thank you. You are right about zoos. I still wish that the animals could wander free, but sadly for many that simply isn't possible. Which hurts my head and my heart.
      I hope your week is excellent too oh sister across the seas.

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  35. Che foto meravigliose, complimenti!

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  36. The lions look exceptionally philosophical and content. Otters are so fun. It's like they are born with a Charlie Chaplin sense of humor. Are your stomach problems from meds?

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    1. Strayer: It was wonderful to see the lions so totally 'laxed. And yes, they did look content didn't they? The otters greeted their keeper (who arrived while I was there) with squeal of delight and just about fell over themselves rushing to greet her. Which also made me smile.
      It seems that my tummy issues are related to meds. Big sigh. The meds in question keep the MS beast more or less under control.

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  37. You captured the lions so well I can almost see tham moving and hear them roar.
    Thank you.
    And also here the Common sparrows are way less common than when I was a child. The smaller Eurasian tree sparrow is slowly taking over.

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    1. Charlotte (MotherOwl): Our house sparrows were introduced but in years gone by they thrived here and we often had dozens of them at a time in the garden. No more. I miss them too.
      And thank you for your kind words about my photographs.

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  38. Enjoyed this and love the photos of that handsome lion, I hope you have a wonderful new week,

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    1. RasmaSandra: Thank you. I hope your week is lovely too.

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  39. The lions look great. Mrs PM says that lions are cuddly - I wouldn't want to cuddle one.

    :o)

    Cheers

    PM

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  40. Ahhh. Love the pictures, especially of Jazz's distant cousins:) And love that you give of yourself to such a necessary and needed cause.
    Hugs

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    1. Sandra Cox: Jazz tells me he is better and braver than any of his cousins. And more beautiful too.

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  41. Awww, I'm sorry you're nauseous and couldn't enjoy the meal, Child.

    Your photos have made me happy as usual. That 3 pic with the otter...it looks like it's wearing a li'l lipstick. :-D

    Those big cats missing people, aww. I'm listening to music from South Africa right now, watching the big cats.

    Your photos are beautiful, Child. xx

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    1. neena maiya (guyana gyal): You are right about the lipstick - I thought that too. And I am listening to bird song at the moment.

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  42. Oh my, what wonderful photos. And that goldfish! I wish mine would grow that big one day!

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    1. Nas: I have never had a goldfish grow to anything like that size either - though they have never had a pond of that size.

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    1. The Happy Whisk: Thank you. It is a stunning zoo.

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  44. Laurie: I wish that you could see them too. So much.

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  45. Super gorgeous love animals and the photos, so interesting.xx

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    1. aussie aNNie: They are gorgeous aren't they? And there is more gorgeousness to come.

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  46. Lots of comments. Love the zoo where lions get lonesome for people. I have collected many pictures of lions from the internet and use them as my screen saver from time to time.

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    1. The Blog Fodder: It wasn't only the lions. I gather that lots of the animals missed people. Lions as a screen saver sounds good to me. Very good.

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  47. Now that is a great idea for a meeting! I feel especially lucky for getting to see so many of the animals (thanks to you) and not having to attend the meeting.

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    1. Kim: It was a very clever idea wasn't it? It got me there anyway.

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  48. I am sorry to hear about your nausea. Hope it goes well soon if it has not already. Love those lions, such beautiful creatures.

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    1. gigi-hawaii: Thank you. The nausea is a reaction to one of my medications. It isn't go to go away anytime soon.
      The lions are wonderful aren't they?

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  49. I always think hyenas are mean and fierce, the one you took was purring like a pussy cat!! Now I will forever see hyenas in a different light!! I love the big cats too and you had some magnificent pictures of these magnificent creatures. I have not been to the zoo for over 20 years, your pixs are making me want to take a visit and say Hello

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    1. kestrel: I am sure that in the right circumstances hyenas ARE mean and fierce. That one was totally 'laxed. This zoo is very close to home and one of my brothers is a volunteer there. We go quite often and could go oftener still. Zoos have changed a lot.

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  50. So sorry you weren't feeling the best, and hope you're feeling better now. 💜 I totally adore lions, leopards and tigers 🐅 and can look at these pics forever 😍 Sending lots of hugs 🤗 RO

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    1. RO: Thank you. I have a huge weakness for the big cats too. All of them. Hugs gratefully received and reciprocated.

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  51. As I sit relaxing on Tuesday evening, my beverage of choice is tea, and I am scrolling up and down your lovely photographs.
    I enjoyed seeing them all and yes, even animals miss seeing people during lockdown, some of our zoos here in the UK reported the same.

    I do hope you are feeling a little better now.

    Happy December Wishes.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Lowcarb team member: I had several cups of chai while I prepared the post. I am glad to be able to see the animals again - and relieve some of the loneliness too.

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  52. Great pics - sounds like a good zoo!
    I think most zoo animals are born into captivity these days or have been too injured to return to the wild. The more we see and know the animals, the better we'll take care of them - I hope!

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    1. Jemi Fraser: I think you are right. One of the sun bears at this zoo was destined for the table at a restaurant. I am so glad it was saved. And yes, I do hope that we will learn to take care of the rapidly diminishing numbers of other species. I hope it - but we are dreadfully slow learners.

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  53. Oh I bet the air there was delicious! I want to breathe it in to soothe my asthma right now.

    Hope your appetite has since returned, my friend.

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    1. John Wiswell: I am sorry that asthma is biting you hard right now - and hope you find relief. Sadly the nausea is an essential medication reaction.

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  54. I love the animal pictures. I just want to go cuddle all of them.

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    1. Mary Kirkland: I would have loved to have been able to give those big cats a scrootch too. So much. I have in the past patted a purring cheetah - which was incredible.

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  55. I loved all the lion photos Sue. Glad it is a well run Zoo where the animals are well looked after and happy

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    1. Margaret Birding For Pleasure: Thank you. It is a very well run zoo. Which is lovely.

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  56. awww...lovely photos...I've missed the 'blogging-thing' ... visiting you...

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    1. Author R. Mac Wheeler: It is lovely to see you back in the blogosphere. I have missed you too.

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  57. I am going backwards catching up on your posts!! So now I know more about your meeting, and a bit more about this very lovely different seeming zoo :)

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    1. karen: Thank you for trawling back through my posts. This zoo is a gem, and so very different to those of yore.

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