The Wellington Zoo ...

We had roughly 4 hours to spend in Wellington before we were leaving for Australia. Considering that we had yet to track down a kiwi (as in the New Zealand bird), Kyoko, Daniel & I took some time to go to the Wellington Zoo (despite the fact that it was STILL raining). We had two missions - to see the red pandas & the kiwis.

The red pandas kind of remind me of cute raccoons:

We found some other animals along the way but it was so cold and raining and our time was limited, so we quickly made the rounds.

We found some otters that made me miss ferret ...

minus the fact that they were eating dead chicks:

& this random monkey that made the most terrible noises:

Thanks for the warning but we couldn't find the damn cheetah:

Then we found the sun bears and they were adorable. I have a video somewhere that I'll try to post, but in the meantime this picture will have to do.

He was trying to eat this coconut:

AND THEN!! ::drum roll please:: ... THE KIWI HOUSE!! Since they are nocturnal the house was dark, except for the red lighting, and kind of spooky. We tiptoed around & whispered & really had no idea what to expect. Would they be big? or small? How did they move? Were they waddlers? Or hoppers? The mystery of the kiwi.

Can you spot one?:
How about now? :) :

Whoops, I accidentally used the flash & caught one on camera:
Mission accomplished:
Oh yea, we also found the ugliest duck that made the most hideous noise. He refused to do it again for the camera, despite Daniel's best efforts, but just know that it was terrible.

Yea, he's a dork. :)

On to Sydney!!

much love

-tara-

xx