"All creatures great and small....the Lord God made them all."

What a brilliant day. After being collected by our guide Michael at 09:30 local time, we headed to Chimelong Safari Park, which was only 40 minutes drive from our hotel. I thought we were going to a panda reserve. We did not realise that we were actually going to a safari reserve (which included the panda enclosure) and the first part of our day trip was a car trip around the safari park - safari on wheels was the trip title!! We have posted some photos and as you can see we saw so many animals - large ones, smaller ones, exotic ones, cheeky ones and colourful ones.....just breathtaking and Gabriella was in awe as she peered out the car window. Most of the animals got a wave from her and some even got a shriek of excitement!

After the safari on wheels we then headed to the animal reserves and walked to the following: Pygmy Hippopotomus pool, Elephant Enclosure, Panda Reserve & Koala Zone. We stopped regularly to mop our brows in the searing heat but thankfully with sun umbrellas, hand held fans and plenty of fluids in our lunch bag we were fine and enjoyed every minute of our experience.

Soon it was home time and Gabriella soon fell asleep on the return journey...no doubt dreaming of all the wonderful animals she had seen. Each day she shares with us a little more of her lovely personality. Her confidence slowly increases daily and with this she continues to increase her walking distance - looks like the need for parental stamina is increasing daily as we now try to keep up with her!!

Enjoy the photos....
Love Caroline, Stephen & Gabriella X

 

elephant

 

 

brown bear

   

 

black bear

 

today the tiger said that Gabriella was just ggggggreat!
  

 

Rhino

 

"Did the cat get your tongue!"

 

I'm sticking my neck out here but Gabriella is the prettiest girl ever:)

 

"What is daddy doing mummy?"

 

Would you be interested in any cheap car insurance?"

 

Sleep time, Nite Nite x

 

 

 

I got to stroke a koala today (Nana Haddock - don't worry - mummy made sure she washed by hands afterwards!!!!)

 

 I love this place!

 

Attack by the mutant panda

 

 

 

 Look I am on my feet!