AMONGST THE GREAT MAMMALS AT FLAMINGO LAND

Text by David Marshall

Pufferfish and Seahorse photographs by Jackie Goulder

Visit photographs by Sue & Arthur Kenworthy

When our planned February visit to Flamingo Land had to be cancelled, due to adverse weather conditions, we quickly re-arranged things with Jackie, who looks after the Aquarium, for a date which fit in with the Easter holiday period.

Joining Sue, Henry the Smith family and myself from Ryedale A.S. were several welcome 'friends' - Sue & Arthur Kenworthy (Otley A.S., who took the wonderful visit photographs which accompany this piece) Kevin Webb (A.A.G.B.) Edward and Matthew Cheatham (Huddersfield A.S.) and Jackie's friend Helen. What we have to mention at this point is that Edward had not visited Flamingo Land for many years so was absolutely enthralled from the minute he arrived at Jackie's - but there was more unexpected excitement ahead for us all.

While the others went forward, in the company of our host, Sue, young Martin (who is always good company) and I stayed back waiting for any 'late-comers'- but none arrived - before setting off along the 'scenic route' ourselves and this took us past various large birds and mammals
(oh those wonderful Wallabies) before we found the others at the Hippopotamus enclosure.

Steve, the Head Mammal Keeper, had allowed our party close access, with large metal screens creating a separating barrier, to these colossal creatures and the young male is really growing now.

What an experience!

This close-up you realise the strength and power they posses and how easy it must be for Hippo's to turn over small boats, as they do, in their African homeland.

In contrast our visit to the Giraffe House was a very genteel affair and these creatures showed their very timid nature and are truly amazing. Edward was in 'dreamland' by now.

As we were so interested in what we were seeing Steve then offered us an amazing 'treat'. The Zoo's two White Rhinoceros came from a Zoological establishment in France and are, thus, quiet tame. Although separated from them by thick steel we were given the chance not only to touch their skin but to, gently, rub behind their ears and this was an experience no members of our party will ever forget.

Now before we leave the Rhino's we must mention a female Duck who was quiet happily sitting on eggs amid all of the chaos around. She had actually tried to lay her eggs within the Rhino sleeping quarters and had to be coaxed to a more convenient spot.

On a real high we finally made the Aquarium and Piranha feeding time.

New exhibits for 2006 are Dwarf Pufferfish (see top) and Giant Brazilian reidi Seahorses.

At last Jackie has had a 'spawning' of Kribensis and the young were happily swimming around under the protection of 'Mum'.

We ended an enjoyable, and memorable, evening with tea and coffee at Jackie's. Much enjoyable 'Seahorse and Zoo chatter' ensued. As always Henry thoroughly enjoyed himself and we are all starting to look forward to our next Flamingo Land visit.

THANK YOU to Jackie and Steve for such a wonderful evening and for the invitation to make a return visit in August. THANKS also to Sue & Arthur for the wonderful photographs.