I started writing about a special celebration, and suddenly, the lyrics and a tune from my childhood began buzzing around in my head. Sung by a female artist, but I couldn’t recall her name. Thank goodness for the internet and YouTube. The vocalist I was thinking about was Julie Felix who sang Going to the Zoo in the 1960s.
Now I’ve cleared that up, I can return to writing my blog post without it bugging me anymore.
So it was my grandson’s seventh birthday; he loves animals like most children. Devon’s Dartmoor Zoo is approximately a twenty-minute drive from Plymouth and we have heard so many marvellous things about the park.
My family and I arrived and were amazed to see a wedding taking place in the main house, a unique venue for the occasion. Later that afternoon, the guests roamed the grounds wearing elegant, expensive outfits. The bride and groom in full marriage attire had photographs taken beside a glorious jaguar being fed behind the fence of his lair. It was fascinating to watch, and for the couple, it must have been a wonderful and unforgettable experience.
For us, it was an excursion of fun and relaxation wandering here and there admiring and learning about the animals, although some were difficult to spot in their habitats which is appealing.
The staff and volunteers were obliging and cheerful, and my grandson was delighted to be wished “Happy Birthday” as they passed by. Not a surprise really, as he was sporting a gigantic badge pinned prominently on his T-shirt with “It’s My Birthday” printed on it.
In the education centre, knowledgeable helpers are on hand. Exhibits such as snake skins, turtle shells and ostrich eggs can be touched, as well as finding out about big cats, and where in the world different animals originate.
The reptile and bug house is fairly small but mesmerising and it was great to leisurely observe the creatures in their naturalistic and creative enclosures.
Monkeys, lions, zebras, meerkats, and capybaras were a few of our favourites. Most loveable were the otters as they frolicked and snuggled with each other.
However, the lynx twin cubs stole the show as they tussled mischievously with each other and pawed at their mother’s tail before tumbling comically down a slope.
No wonder the place was the inspiration for the film, We Bought a Zoo. All thanks to the zoo’s creators Benjamin Mee and his folks in 2006.
We will be going back.
Until next time,
Sue. X