A day in Africa

Anzac Day in Australia was the anniversary of Ray's sudden death. What can be a better antidote to a sad day than surrounding yourself with children and at Ex Sis in Law's suggestion, the family got together at Werribee Zoo.

My Arthur Itis mate was not keen on a 10.00am meet, 40 minutes drive away. I suffered, but it was just wonderful to have family around me. Not quite all the family were there, but all the greats were. 

Nephew's three, two being twin boys and one daughter, Oldest Niece's three, and Hippie Niece's twin cafe latte coloured daughters, and their two stepsisters, one who has returned home after some time with her drug user mother. 

The new Elephant Walk recently opened, and it was a long walk in hot sun to visit. I had lost my enthusiasm and I saw an open vehicle to transport people back to the main area approach, so I took a ride back to the zoo entrance. I would have had to walk further to actually see the elephants but I just couldn't do it. 

The sky had clouded over and there was some light rain. We found a shelter area near the hippopotamus enclosure to sit where we all ate our brought from home food; Phyliss having made me a large sandwich with an Indian taste. We bought coffee at the cafe. 

About 2pm, most of us departed. The night before was a melancholic memory evening for me, but the actual day, filled with children, family, and still with some memories of the last time Ray and I visited, was ok. 

There'd be animals, some fierce animals. You can stand on the back of a jeep and see a lioness lounging on the bonnet of a jeep.

I didn't know lions climb trees. Nowhere is safe.

A lonely zebra.

I know I should know what this bird is, but I don't. Pretty, yes? 

A dromedary camel or a humpty dory camel. I can't remember. 

No photo but seeing a gorillas move around was amazing.

I can't remember the name of these deer like critters.

Indian antelope. 

Giraffes, how exciting. 

And zebra.

Giraffe are quite tall, very tall really.

Ostrich. 

One of the animals in this photo is called something like the horseshoe bum deer. 

Some rhino have horns pointing upwards, and some downwards. It depends on their diet preference. 

Sister snapped the hippopotamus out of the water. I did not. 

As I was leaving, I passed by the cheetah enclosure. Wow, it is so pretty. Don't you just want to give it a cuddle. 

I am away again for another family event. Back soon.