Roaar!

A year ago we took the Flumlet to the Five Sisters Zoo. We thoroughly enjoyed it but there were certain animals missing from view and we hoped to remedy that today.

Last time the penguin enclosure was almost completed, the birds were expected to arrive before long so there were none in residence yet; we counted 21 Humboldt penguins today and what quirky little birds they are, feet splashing like clockwork as they glided across their pool. (Extra1).

We looked very carefully for bears in their large wooded enclosure but only later realised, from the notices, there are none there anyway. Boo hiss! 

But the lions were a picture (see main): as we approached they were lying front-to-back peacefully but one rose up, they had a wee tussle and a little roar then wandered off a little way to settle once again some feet apart. Item 2 ticked off the list.

Next - wolves. There were definitely two and they were quite active, circling their territory in purposeful manner (extra1). The Flumlet was thrilled, item 2 ticked off.

Along the way we had checked in on the wild cats (all asleep) snow leopard (asleep in den), meercats still on watch, otters totally charmingly gorgeous, leaf-cutting ants seen in their shed, still carrying huge chunks of vegetation. But the fossa appeared stressed, striding quickly back and forth along the front of its cage. I do hope it was just anticipating delivery of a meal but the sight was disturbing.

For an extra treat the Flumlet had a ride on the helter-skelter -- all five seconds of whizzing round and down for the princely sum of £2. Hmm. Well, they have to make profits where they can.

We felt we'd seen enough by then so just came back to Flum towers for a rather late lunch (snacks having been consumed on the go) and a little while on YouTube, before joining the rush hour back home. Here he declined to go indoors but ran off some energy with somersaults and star jumps (extra2) until S returned home from work, whence he regaled her with all the excitements of the day.

More adventures next week!