reptilian times
If you drive up to the Central Coast from Sydney, you’ll notice a big dinosaur near the Gosford exit. It’s an icon and it’s been around for as long as I can remember. Its name is Ploddy.
Yesterday we took Che to the Australian Reptile Park for the first time. We didn’t tell him that we were going, just turned up with a picnic lunch and a bunch of surprises in store. Regarded as one of the country’s best zoos, it’s well-known for it’s hands-on approach. But the whole experience is made all the more wonderful if you’re good friends with the Head Keeper. And so, we got taken behind-the-scenes to see the baby Tazzie Devils, itsy-bitsy alligators, furry wombats and curly snakes. Che had an absolute ball; always rearing to get to the next animal, the next spider, the next snake. Daniel even got to go behind the enclosures where cobras got a little annoyed by the lens.
The park is home to a range of furry and scaly creatures and the keepers are dedicated to educating the public about them. Conservation is a priority too and, at present, all their efforts are geared towards Devil Ark – the largest Tasmanian Devil conservation breeding programme on mainland Australia. Sadly, a genetic tumour disease is wiping out Tasmanian Devils in the wild. To ensure the national icon doesn’t end up on the extinction list, the Australian Reptile Park is trying to raise $7 million to establish a successful breeding programme. They also need 6.5km of fencing…read more here about how you can help.
On the drive home yesterday Che fell asleep in the car and last night, while I was tucking him into bed, he declared the entire day one of his most favourite times ever.
Thanks so much Billy for making it extra special.
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looks and sounds like a wonderful family day!
Che's shirt is the best. I need to take Kesh to the Reptile Park.
hmmmm, where can I get myself a necklace like Che's? 🙂 ha ha, I am not as brave as your sweet boy! xx
How wonderful for Che and what a gorgeous family memory too. He makes wearing a snake look easy. 🙂
I've been there! And I have a photo (circa maybe 1986) of me with a diamond python around my neck, although I am not smiling. I was also bitten by (can't remember the name right now!) by a creamy possum type creature in the nocturnal animals shed. It was sitting on the fence and I patted it. It bit me. Fair enough, really, but it frightened the hell out of me! Kellie xx
I can't believe Che had a snake around his neck. I also can't believe those oh-so-cute shorts still fit him (i've been waiting for them to arrive at my place)!
Beautiful photos my friend, I must get that lense (although I suspect there is some talent at play here!)
xo em
We regularly (a few times a year) drive past that dinosaur and each time I'm reminded that we still haven't taken our youngest there… he's 11 now. Maybe next school holidays!
he's so cute. but boy am i scared of snakes!
Che is much braver than I would be! I just showed Dale the photos, now he has declared we must visit The Australian Reptile Park, he loves crocs (yes, I'm talking about hubby, not bubby 🙂
Luv Rhi x
teehee – he looks proud as punch with those two slithery creatures on him! Beautiful, beautiful pictures. Dontcha just love our native wildlife? x
WOW what a brave boy! He does look very pleased with himself. Rufus would flip with joy to have a crocodille on his head… he regularly takes his toy one to bed with him! And Che cuddling a wombat too cute! xx
Those koalas … and Che holding that wombat (my favourite!)
What a fun surprise!!
After oogling at the snake around Che's neck (he is so brave) I spotted the 'Kia Ora' on his tee…love!!
Aww – the expressions on Che's face are priceless!
Oh look at him there, so sweeeet! And woah, he’s a brave boy. I felt nervous just looking at the snake picture! Have a lovely week x
Oh what a wonderful day! So many special memories there for all of you to keep. That first shot of Che and the snake is unbelievably beautiful… his expression is adorable. I sometimes like to surprise my Mr3 with adventures like that. I think it's that much more thrilling when they have no preconceived thoughts about what they're going to do. Kind of makes the moments spontaneous and magical :o) xo
Oh wow. Lucky Che! He looks as pleased as punch! We've had four tiger snakes around here since we moved in. eeeek!!
That looks amazing! What a lucky little chap. Take me too please next time! 🙂
We went a couple of years ago and had a great time. If anyone reading this is planning a trip soon I actually have a free family pass (2 adults 2 children) that expires 31/12. We won't get there again before then so if somebody out there wants it let me know and I can send it on.
That looks like so much fun!
I love Che's shorts/boarshorts? Where did you score them from? Very cute, what a brave boy!!!!
x