Oceania: Day 33: 8-5-94: Territory Wildlife Park And Reserve

Today we went to visit the Territory Wildlife Park and Reserve, and I had the opportunity to closely view some indiginous wildlife which I'd previously only viewed from afar, if at all. The layout of the central portion of the wildlife park was really natural and unrestricted -- it wasn't an American zoo where the animals were jailed up in claustrophobic cages, nor even a typical "reserve," where the animals are visibly penned in larger habitats. It seemed as large and free an environment as actual wilderness to me (which technically it was, I guess, just protected wilderness). What few viewable fences there were served the main purpose of separating animal from animal, not people from animal. In fact, in many areas, animals and people intermingled quite freely. My introduction to this happened quite unexpectedly, when I was walking along and a wallaby suddenly popped out of the brush, looked at me curiously (as if I were the one on exhibit) and then hopped along its merry way. Another wallaby, considerably less skittish than his brethren and obviously used to human contact, allowed me to approach, photograph and even pet him.

--------------------------------A Very Friendly Wallaby-----------------------------

------------------------------------A Red Kangaroo------------------------------------



Besides wallabies, I also had the opportunity to see Red Kangaroos (males, females and joeys), emus, water buffalo, feral pigs, camels and even the ellusive echidna (though admittedly, mostly in shadow). Moreover, I had the chance to visit the aquarium (which included a walk-through transparent tunnel) to see a sampling of Australian sealife. My favorite encounter was a shockingly close look at a saltwater crocodile. At least 13 feet long, he glared at me with a cold look in his reptilian eyes -- as he opened his mouth, displaying his pointy teeth, he ellicited my respect and healthy fear, and I took a step back . . . despite the thick pane of reinforced glass between us. Don't mess with a croc!

One of the most enjoyable parts of the wildlife park was the aviary. A massive mesh net, encompassing acre upon acre of land and reaching high into the sky, the aviary housed dozens of varieties of birds. The best section, which didn't appear to be caged in at all, was a reproduced stretch of rainforest. Hauntingly beautiful and still, the rainforest was a sanctuary for the senses. Looking at the lush trees, listening to the occasional rustle as a beak poked the ground in search of lunch and smelling the wet, green scent, I was transported out of the wildlife park and back into the thick jungles of Hawaii and Fiji. Untold numbers of butterflies fluttered around me, heightening the peaceful, mystical air of the moment.

Perhaps the highlight of the day was watching the "Predator Show," in which several of Australia's predatory birds (including a strikingly large and handsome Sea Eagle) were shown and flown.

Finally, I had the chance to visit the arthropod and reptile exhibits, as well as the nocturnal house, getting more than my fill of snakes, lizards (including a Frilled-Neck) , scorpions, spiders and bats.

After the Territory Wildlife Park and Reserve, we all had our first (and last) real afternoon to relax -- a full 5 hours. I took advantage of this time to change some flights with Ansett, mail some postcards and do some final souvenir shopping (finally purchasing that wooden, hand-painted boomerang I wanted).

At 7:00 p.m., I had an all-you-can-eat barbecue of steak, pork chops and chicken, and I sampled two more Australian brews (Redback [a wheat malt] and Crown) -- both were mighty fine! During dinner, Rolf was roped into teaching us all some German, my favorite phrase of the night being "Sie sind eines blod mann" (this supposedly translates to "You are a stupid man!").

Then it was time for our final Contiki night out. First it was off to Diamond Head Casino, where I had loads of fun losing $35 playing slots and blackjack. Then back to the hotel to the Pickled Parrot Bar, where a wonderful duo (man on piano, lady singer) performed sing-alongable songs. I even got in on the act, joining up with Carl, his cousin Tom and Stickman to sing "You've Lost That Loving Feeling."


------------------------------I've Lost That Sober Feeling--------------------------

Another hour of dancing and singing, and then the stuffy, smelly room became too much for me and I retired to my boudoir.