A day at the Taronga Zoo----Koalas and Penguins and Kimodo Dragons, oh, my!

Because Thursday was such a grueling day, Felice and I slept in on Friday morning. We then headed down the street to one of many little local breakfast places and had a nice breakfast. It didn't hurt that they had very good WIFI so we were able to download podcasts and check our email/Facebook. Today the big plan was the Toranga Zoo, an excursion that was planned a couple of different times, but washed out by rain. While it was a bit overcast, time was winding down on our trip so this was the day for the zoo. We went to Circular Quay and bought the combined Zoo Pass/Ferry at the wharf and then waited for a bit until the ferry came. It was a mere 12 minutes across the harbor to the other side, but it was great to see Sydney from another perspective. Once at the Zoo, you have two choices to get up the major hill to the main gate; take a bus or take a 4 minute cable car ride. We opted for the latter and it was spectacular. You get to see the zoo below and get to look back on Sydney and the Harbor. Once we got to the main gate, we stowed our umbrellas (brought just in case of rain) and investigated any options like special tours. We found one that interested up as it was called the Koala Experience. We were told that a group of up to four could get a close up visit with a koala or two for just 19.95 AUD, although you don't get to touch the koala due to a new law. We were told that we buy the ticket and then go to the koala enclosure and sign up to get our time. Kind of like the FASTPASS at Disneyland. This is apparently very limited as they run this program from 11:00 AM to 2:15 PM so when we got number 12 upon our arrival at 11:50 AM and were told that we would go in at 12:20 PM, we realized that this was something very special. While we waited, we walked into the kangaroo and koala enclosure. There were a couple kangaroos running around in the area and a koala or two up in the trees. The koalas don't leave the trees, but the kangaroos run in the area. Here are some pictures from the enclosure:

And then up in the trees, but a distance from us we saw this:

After seeing this picture, I have to admit, I was pretty excited about seeing koalas up close and personal. Long before our number was called, we were waiting for our turn to go behind the curtain and see the koalas. We were taken back to an area that had a couple trees with two koalas in them, named Milli and Sydney. Yes, Sydney, the same name as our granddaughter.

It seems that they name their koalas after types of eucalyptus branches. We of course were very excited that one was named Sydney, but alas, she was the one that was sleeping while Milli was moving around. Koalas sleep 20 hours a day and move very slowly the rest of the time as they conserve their energy. 

Here is Sydney:

And here is Milli:

OMG, they are the most adorable things you have ever seen, until you see their claws. You would not want to mess with them as they have very sharp claws to hold on to trees. I took a little video of Milli moving a bit, not really much though. The commentary in the background is from the zoo ranger.

I would have stayed in the enclosure until closing if allowed as just being in the presence of a koala was so exciting, but our time was up. So from there we wandered the zoo seeing seals, sea lions (yes I know the difference), kangaroos, Tasmanian Devils (yes they look like a devil, although not as bad as a Sun Devil), wallabies and elephants. We found the penguins and Felice got a few pictures, but frankly the glass enclosure makes it hard to appreciate the beauty:

From there it was off to lunch in a self serve place. That is where we found the real zoo as you know when you have a bunch of hungry and hot tourists, don't get in their way when they are seeking or eating food. It wasn't too bad and even though we were inside, a number of birds came to visit seeking to share. Once done, we decided to head back stopping only at the giraffes

 and the Komodo Dragon's lair

I have been fascinated with the Komodo Dragon ever since seeing Marlon Brando and Matthew Broderick in the movie, The Freshman. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099615/?ref_=nv_sr_1

We made it to the exit and collected our umbrellas, somehow damaged while being held, oh well and headed to the cable car and then the ferry. Beautiful views again.

Once on the wharf at Circular Quay, we headed to the Opera area (shaded, air-conditioned and WIFI'd) and checked emails. I also monitored the progress of the penultimate UofA Wildcat basketball away game against Colorado. Not much to monitor as the game was solidly in hand and then back to the hotel to relax. Note that there was no stop at Max Brenners.

We then decided after relaxation to dine at Criniti's Restaurant in Darling Harbor based on the recommendation of the concierge at the hotel. One problem with traveling in a foreign country without access to your cell phone is that directions are the old fashion way. Well, we were walking into the sun and missed a turn so rather than taking a bridge over the middle of the harbor (remember Las Vegas-ification of Sydney is here) we walked all the way around the harbor. Not a big deal, but frankly the food was just okay and the service was mediocre as this was a very big, touristy restaurant. Regardless, it was a great night walking back and we both agreed that even though our flight wasn't until Sunday night, we were both ready to head home and settle back into our life at home.