I was lucky enough to spend a few hours at Perth Zoo recently. If you've seen my other photos, you'll know they're usually full of Melbourne Zoo animals, so this made for a nice change of scenery.
I love visiting the zoo. To me it's really just a good walk with a lot more to look at along the way. Even better, my Melbourne Zoo membership is honoured in Perth, so I got in for free. That's the kind of deal that puts a spring in your step before you've even reached the first enclosure.
Penguins first
We started with the penguins, which felt like a good way to ease in. Fun fact for anyone outside Victoria: Melbourne has its own wild penguin population, right on the doorstep of the city. Seeing their West Coast cousins made me feel strangely at home.
The cranes
Next up were the cranes, and I have to say these guys knew how to pose. Every time I lifted the camera they seemed to strike a new angle, as if they'd been told a photographer was coming. Easily the most cooperative subjects of the day.
The orangutans
Orangutans are always amazing. Watch them for a few minutes, the way they move, think and look around, and you can see why people once believed they were humans living in the jungle. The name itself is usually translated as "person of the forest," and after spending time with them it's hard to argue.
Who's watching who?
A cheeky gibbon spent a good while checking us out through the glass. It was one of those moments that flips things around and makes you wonder who is really observing who. I'm fairly sure he got more entertainment out of us than we did out of him.
A true local to finish
We wrapped up with one of our own natives, a kangaroo in full lazy mode. Stretched out, completely unbothered, not the slightest interest in the visitors. Honestly, it looked like it had the right idea for a sunny afternoon.
All in all, a great day out. If you're ever in Perth with a few spare hours, the zoo is well worth the walk. And if you've got a Zoos Victoria membership, bring it along