Thirty of us gathered at 7pm at the zoo entrance clutching our sleeping bags and pillows eagerly awaiting our guide. I think the older members were just as excited as the younger members of our group.  Emma, whose main role is with the Primates greeted us and led us around to the Archibald Centre. We dropped our gear and were straight out into the zoo, which we had to ourselves. First stop was the Snow Leopards, and luckily both were out in their enclosure. Then it was up past the skinks, geckos, and spiders before heading up the hill to see if the Lions were around. They were not best pleased to see us with one backing up against and window and peeing. What a gusher that was! We stopped to have a close encounter with the giraffes. Emma dropped a tied-up bundle of foliage which included Pohutukawa in it right beside us for the giraffes to eat. Then it was a quick look at the Capybaras but they weren’t coming out of their shelter. So off we went further up the hill and into the Aussie Section where we were treated to an encounter with the Tasmanian Devil. Emma laid down a piece of wood filled with bugs for him to work at to get out. We learnt how much effort has gone into getting these little creatures’ disease free and how the numbers are now on the increase. A real demonstration of the wonderful work being done for conservation with zoos. It was getting dark by now, so it was back to our quarters for supper and to sort out sleeping arrangements. We were given blowup sleeping mats to use and some of us opted for 2 mats. One on top of the other. They were actually quite comfortable but for most it was a night of interrupted sleep.

We were up again just after 6am and got breakfast rolling. I took over toast duties and Helen set out the cereal and opened the cans of fruit. We kept the dish washing going throughout and the kitchen was cleaned up in no time. Sylvia arrived to take us on our morning walk. We had to pop the mattresses away first and started a chain gang going. I was busy feeding mattresses to Harvey who then passed them Shannon. They were away in no time with people passing them to me as well. Then we grabbed our gear and took this down to a lockup by the zoo entrance. Sylvia then took us on our morning walk. First stop were the Otters who got excited expecting a feed and raced around to the gate. Then we watched the Spider Monkeys in action before heading for the Penguins in the New Zealand section. Unfortunately, they were hiding in the little houses. They only really come out to eat. All the penguins were Little Blue Penguins and had all arrived injured, mainly through dog attacks or from being hit by cars. Some can be released back into the wild but others are so badly injured, they live their lives out at the zoo. Currently there are 5 penguins. It was then on to the farm animals where the children were given the opportunity of feeding the sheep. The Kunekune pig was offered food but seemed to prefer his hay.  We passed through the Kea aviary and saw one sitting high up watching us. Then it was off to see the Sun Bear, who joyfully greeted us standing on his hind legs. Sylvia threw a corn cob into him and he was disgusted when it missed and fell into the water. After he realised there wasn’t going to be another one, he made his way down to the water and hooked it out. The corn kernels were gone in no time. He even used his back leg to assist with the stripping. We had a look at the Sumatran Tiger and found there are less than 500 left in the wild due to habitat loss. So very sad that one day, a zoo may be the only place we will see some species! The Tiger wasn’t interested in us, so we made our way past the Snow Leopards who were hiding and onto see the Chimpanzees. 8 of the 9 Chimps were out, but decided they couldn’t be bothered with us and disappeared out of sight. It didn’t take long for them to come back and start some monkeying around. Always amazing to watch. Then it was off for our final experience of the morning where Sylvia gave another small log of wood to the Meerkats. Such amazing wee creatures. Even when the rest of the group were scrabbling for food the sentry remained on duty. He did swap places with another one, so he could get some treats as well. Then it was back down the hill past the Golden Tamarin and back to collect our bags and depart. I heard one family say they were going to check out the frogs, so I guessed some families were hanging around a little longer. For me it was home for a shower and sleep.

This really was an amazing experience and it was so nice to see all families enjoying each other’s company and for me to meet so new people and catch up with others.

Judith O’Leary