The Night Before Trishmas - Our Adventure at Perth Zoo

22/1/2021

'Twas the night before Trishmas and all through the zoo, not a creature was stirring...

It turns out that some of the animals had gone to bed early, in anticipation of Trisha the elephant’s 64th birthday the next day. The birthday was going to be a big celebration and the animals wanted to save their energy. Anyhow, it really was rude of us to arrive well after the animals’ usual bedtime. Trisha was nowhere to be seen, obviously having her beauty rest.

As would be expected, there were a few rebels in the group. The bin chickens (ibises) started their celebrations early. They were everywhere and actually outnumbered all the other animals combined. Additionally, there were a few other night owls in the nocturnal house, but we didn’t dare to go in there. Outside I took a special shot of an emu. Note that it's not really an emu, although the resemblance to a real emu is uncanny.

In general, the animals hid very well yesterday. The tortoises didn’t come out of their shells and the tigers were nowhere to be seen. That’s a relief, because there was a huge sign on the tiger enclosure warning us that the tigers lick the glass. I’m being extra careful because it was only last week when an echidna licked my camera lens at the Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.

Fortunately for us there were plenty of animals out and about. We made our way into the area full of kangaroos and bin chickens, where most of the partygoers were congregating. One of the kangaroos was practicing the Hokey Pokey, while the bin chickens were enjoying a feast and photobombing my photographs.

Later we saw a few koalas on the trees, but they had their eyes closed for the whole time. Ironically, the koalas were sleeping like bears even though they are not bears. We would have seen a lot more action with Caramello Koalas.

Sleeping koala.

The zoo was incredibly busy yesterday. I have visited many times and I've never seen it so busy. The lawns were full of people having picnics, you could feel the excitement in the air. Even the Smurfs were jumping for joy.

Just like the bin chickens, I enjoyed our visit to Perth Zoo and I will return. Wishing Trisha the elephant the happiest of birthdays!