Wednesday, March 19, 2014

A Rat the Size of a Toddler and other Australian Animal Lessons

I had really meant to bring the kids to a zoo much earlier in our visit to Australia. As it was, we never got around to it until our very last full day when we found ourselves with some time to spare before our flight-that-wasn't-to-be. Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park (called the Parndana Wildlife Park at the time of our visit in January 2013) seemed like the perfect place to check off one final item on our Australian Wish List.

And what a visit it was! It was highly educational. Here are some of my favorite photos.

Lesson 1: Is that a rat the size of a toddler?

Kangaroo Island, Australia
What a gigantic white rat! Or is it?



This is my favorite photo from the park. It looks like a gigantic white rat and brings to mind The Princess Bride's ROUSs (Rodents of Unusual Size). No photo trickery is involved. Seriously. Lab experiment gone awry? Actually, it's an albino Eastern Grey Kangaroo.


Lesson 2: How to identify a Cassowary

When we were in Queensland, we came across a sign warning us about what to do should we encounter a cassowary.


Sounds like a fierce creature, doesn't it? We luckily never came across one in the wild, but saw one at this park, safely ensconced on the other side of a fence. I don't think there's any way to mistake its distinctive head coloring. Can you tell how big it is? I'd say its beak is right about jugular height on me.

Kangaroo Island, Australia
A highly dangerous cassowary

Lesson 3: Don't mess with kangaroos.

My boy was getting a bit chilled. Being the practical, wilderness-savvy mom that I am, I suggested he warm his hands on the kangaroo. Use what's around you, right?

A warm kangaroo to cozy up with

It turns out that the kangaroo wasn't too keen on this idea. My son crouched down behind the kangaroo with his hands on its back. Next thing we knew, the kangaroo whipped around and punched him in the face. It wasn't a TKO, but we definitely won't be messing with any kangaroos in the future. 


Lesson 4: Real life versions of a game character look nothing like the animated one.

My boys like the Sonic the Hedgehog game which has Knuckles the Echidna as one of the characters.

Knuckles the Echidna

Kangaroo Island, Australia
An actual echidna

They are as different at night and day. No spiky white gloves. No multi-colored shoes with weird LEGO blocks on top. Different. 


Lesson 5: Kangaroos do not have 3 legs.

Kangaroo Island, Australia, joey, pouch
Count the legs, 1-2-3

This kangaroo definitely made us pause for a closer look. Um, how many legs does it have? 1-2-3? Three??!! After a moment, I realized it was a baby joey that dove into its mama's pouch head first leaving one lone leg sticking out.


IF YOU GO:

  • There are are plenty of other animals at the park -- kookaburras, koalas, pythons, crocodiles, emus, etc. Most of them are less freaky than the ones pictured above. 
  • Plan on 1 hour to mosey around and feed the animals. 
  • Tip: Do not use the kangaroos as hand warmers... or try to climb into their pouch.
  • Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park is located on the Playford Highway between Parndana and Stokes Road
  • Open daily 9AM-5PM; 10AM-3PM on Christmas Day
  • Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for concession, and $8 for children
  • Family admission (2 adults and up to 3 children) is $45
  • Coffee and light refreshments available in the gift shop but a small cafe is in the works
  • Website: www.kiwildlifepark.com 

Related Kangaroo Island Posts:

Kangaroo Island's Koala Walk
It's the Great Penguin, Charlie Brown
Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch




This post is part of the following link ups. Check them out for more around-the-world travel inspiration.
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