News from Year 3/4

Werribee Zoo

We were glad to finally arrive at Werribee Open Range Zoo after a long and bumpy bus trip. 

Following snack time near the playground, we went exploring. Our first stop was the massive silverback gorilla who enjoyed some leaves as he leaned against a tree.  He thumped his chest to show his power and command of his troop. One of the other gorillas had a blanket over him; he was so "human like".

A crowd grabbed our attention. What were they looking at? We rushed towards the meerkat enclosure. Little meerkat heads were popping up in all directions keeping guard by looking for danger.  They were so cute; we could have watched them all day.

Next, it was "all aboard" the safari bus.  Travelling through the grasslands, we saw a group of rhinos laying together with their bottoms touching, this is because they have poor eyesight but a good sense of smell.  We did not realise how big rhinos were!

Six giraffes were eating leaves and swishing their tails to keep away the insects.  They came close to the bus then ran away.  Their legs were going outwards because they are so long.  Even when they bend down, they keep their legs straight!

Zebras, oxen, bison and antelope roamed around the grassland in harmony.

The next habitat was the African plains.  Here we saw onyx and an ostrich.  We found out that Przewalski wild horses are extinct in the wild. 

African lions were basking in the sun; however, we did notice a carcass that must have been the remains of the pride's lunch.

Through the gates and into the hippo enclosure.  The bus drove through the water and we could see a hippo dozing in the mud.  A ripple in the water scared us.  What was lurking beneath? That was the end of our safari tour.

A trail took us to the cheetahs who were pacing along the viewing windows.  Their cat-like features and speed makes them seem so graceful.  

In the reptile house, we saw a striped, legless lizard lying on the sand in its heated enclosure. It was fascinating to watch the baby crocodile "frozen" with his mouth open.  We heard frogs croaking but did not see any. We were disappointed that the giant tortoise was not there!

Sleeping koalas and grazing kangaroos sat in the sun whilst we stopped for lunch.  

It was sad to leave, but we had a most enjoyable learning experience and heaps of fun too!