Konted's Make My Day 2: Melbourne Zoo

Meerkat

Melbourne Zoo

Wombat is a marsupial mammal that, like the kangaroo, carries its young in the pouch. It looks like a badger but is not a badger. When threatened by Tasmanian Devils, it runs and hides inside tunnels and holes. The Black and White Colobus, on the other hand, is a type of monkey that is endemic in some parts of Africa. And these two animals are top attractions at the Melbourne Zoo.

The Melbourne Zoo is only a few kilometers away from the City proper. The zoo is situated in a vast tract of land which was designed to resemble closely the natural habitats of the more than 300 species kept in its fold. The Australian wild bush, for instance, is recreated at a portion of the zoo where kangaroos and koalas roam around.

Melbourne Zoo authorities have the safety of the visitors as their primordial concern. The lions are kept in enclosures that make it impossible for them to slip or get through. Visitors watch from an elevated platform that is also enclosed by cyclone wires. Accidents are kept to a minimal level.

Now, while inside the zoo, make sure you wear comfortable shoes. You will be walking and covering long distances. While the viewing itself is entertaining, it can also be tiring. With different species kept in what appears to be their natural environment, it takes hours to cover the entire zoo. With calluses on both feet giving me the ache, I was able to cover only 3/4 of Melbourne Zoo. Anyway, I can do it again next time.

- Konted

Melbourne Zoo is only a few kilometers away from Melbourne's Central Business District.

Total land area occupied by Melbourne Zoo is approximately 22 hectares.

Entrance to Melbourne Zoo

A few reminders as you enter the zoo

Visitors to the zoo milling around

The Gorilla is a heavily-built ape found in the forests of Africa

Closer shot of the ape

Family of gorillas

Brave enough to mount on an artificial alligator

The Black and White Colobus

Shaded viewing area

The Pelican is a large water bird that has a pouch in the throat which is used in catching fish.

The fish-eating Heron

Bittern

Built to look like their natural habitat

Asian store

Elephants kept at Melbourne Zoo are from Thailand.

Another viewing area

Elephants are kept in secured areas.

One of the most popular animals in the zoo

The weight of an adult elephant is between 400 - 700 kilograms. Life span is about 70 years.

Cluster of shops within the zoo

Souvenir shop

Take away coffee available here

This one is very much alive.

The elegant Blue and Green Peacock

Another popular spot

The Orangutan is exclusively Asian.

The Giraffe is the tallest living animal.

The Zebra is known for its black and white stripes.

Young and old alike troop to Melbourne Zoo.

Australian territory

Just like the real Australian Bush

The Kangaroo is Australia's most famous animal.

The Kangaroo has powerful hind legs.

Young Kangaroos

Educational

The Wombat is taking a rest.

The Echidna looks like a porcupine. It is an ant-eater.

The Koala is native to Australia. It gives birth to one joey at a time.

Viewing deck for Woodland birds

The yellow-tailed Australian Cockatoo

Protected woodland birds

More trivia

Australian Eclectus Parrot. It is usually a calm bird even in captivity. Its life span can reach 30 years

The Ladies of Delahey & Melton. They are kind and warm-blooded vertebrate animals endemic in the Australian Bush. They are not yet endangered. In fact, they keep on multiplying. They are not dangerous. They like talking and talking even when no one is listening.

The Chameleon has this uncanny ability to change color.

An old turtle

The Meerkat whistles when it senses danger. It is also called the Sun Angel as it protects communities from the Moon Devil which is otherwise known as the Werewolf. It is part of the Mongoose family.