Koala Bears

When I think of Australia, I think koala bear. And today I got to hold one of those cuddle creatures. They are stinkin' cute!

Today was my unscheduled day, meaning every other day I am in Australia I have an activity planned. It was none the less chock full of activity. I have read about the Cairns Wildlife Dome, which sits on top of a hotel and casino. I wasn't so sure. However, it was getting cloudy (and in fact rained), so I checked it out. It was actually quite nice. The animals are basically free to roam (except the gator). I stayed for feeding tour, and actually petted most of the animals. I felt a little left out, as Cairns is a tourist destination for most Australians, who have seen plenty of these animals before or at least heard of them. Meanwhile, I am thinking no I have had never heard of a pademelon (type of kangaroo) before yesterday.

It was a fun place to go, because even though I went on this outback trip yesterday, and saw some of these animals, it's not like they pose for pictures. Most of the animals were quite accessible in there too. They had TONS of interesting birds, lizards, frogs, snakes, fresh water croc, estuary croc, turtles. In fact, although he wouldn't do it for me. One of the big cuckatoos will let tourists carry him around on their shoulders while they walk around.