We talk to the animals

I had an excellent weekend break among exotic animals, lions, giraffes, meerkats and Viv and Chris, at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo.

I took the train to Dubbo – a first for me. An enjoyable trip (in First Class, of course) over the Blue Mountains and through Lithgow, Bathurst and Orange. I started at 7.30 am at Strathfield station and arrived at Dubbo at 1.45 pm. Viv and Chris had driven there after spending a few days at Rylstone with friend Meredith.

We had the Zoofari “safari-style experience . . . overlooking the savannah.” The savannah was a big paddock with lovely giraffes strolling about, plus eland, ostrich and other deer-like creatures. The accommodation was “glamping” – a big tent with sturdy fabric, wooden floors, a luxury bathroom and big verandah, all covered by a corrugated-iron roof. (zoo publicity pic above)

“It is an intimate retreat comprising stunning Guest House, luxurious accommodation, cuisine and guided Zoo tours, and offers a private and luxurious African safari style experience in the heart of the Zoo.”

We had a minibus tour with a guide to see the wild dogs being fed (they don’t like to share food!), the meerkats, hippos and elephants. We got close to the lions in their night quarters. Then we had an “African-themed” dinner at the big lodge. Very good food, some tasty crocodile.

Next morning was a 7am tour to feed the giraffes with carrot sticks. We saw the Indian elephants being washed by their keepers and watched lemurs scrabble for bits of banana. Then a big breakfast in the lodge before checkout.

Viv and Chris at feeding time.

Our supervised visit was over but we stayed to tour the rest of the zoo. We hired a special zoo golf cart to trundle around the six-kilometre circuit – very handy transport.

We watched the bongos (oops! actually Siamang gibbons.) playing in the trees, bouncing up and down using a springy branch for support. The lions were just lion around, but the big male did stand up and yawn once before settling down to sleep again. The tiger was also sleepy.

The cheetahs were well camouflaged, but Chris spotted them. (leopards are spotted, too, but we didn’t see them).

Viv had organised a neat two-bedroom apartment for one night in Dubbo. We found a good restaurant – Two Doors tapas and wine bar – for dinner.

The next day we had breakfast in Dubbo and found an excellent second-hand and new bookshop (and bought some books) before setting off for the five-hour drive back to Sydney.

We stopped at Bathurst for lunch and swapped drivers – I took the last bit home to Concord West.

It was a great break and we were blessed with clear skies and sunny 24 degree weather for our time there.