Day at the wildlife center!

This nice cockatoo greeted us at the wildlife center.

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This is a type of green tree frog. He looks small, but he was about the size of the palm of my hand. I was glad he wasn't a Cain Toad - those things are poisonous and the Cain Toads were all over our patio at our condo in Palm Cove.

This is a Cassowary! It is the third largest bird in the world. They're only found in two places in the world - the very northeastern part of Australia and New Guinea.

Cassowary's are unique in that they are a Keystone species in the rainforest, as they eat fruit whole and spread the fruit seeds via their "poop". Certain trees in the rainforest rely almost exclusively on the cassowary to spread its seeds.

                             We all got to hold Koala bears.  They are small, slow animals with
                              claws on their feet and hands.  Koalas by law are only allowed to
                              "work" (be held by humans) for 30 minutes/day.

                             Koala's sleep 20 hours each day, which only leaves 4 hours for their
                              activities.  Mostly eating Eucalyptus tree leaves.  They aren't very
                              active due to the lack of nutrition available in the leaves.  They are
                              sort of lazy creatures due to their lazy diets.  :)

                                          They often eat and sleep in the same tree. However, they
                                           have to go down to the ground for water.

                             This bird is crazy!  He is an Eclectus Parrot.  He said "hello", "what's up", and lauged for us!

                              Ireland on the lookout for Crocodiles

      We went on a boat tour and saw many Crocs.  Crocodiles are relegated to the Northern parts of Australia due to the warm temperatures.  They heat their bodies from the outside, so they need the sun's warmth to survive.  The name Salt Water Crocodile is misleading as they can survive in both Fresh and Salt water.  They can live for a long time.  The oldest one we saw (also the 3rd largest in captivity) was 130 years old.

                                                     Two Crocs competing for a meal. 

     Crocodiles can go without food for up to 3 years.  They are opportunistic hunters, however                   they usually hunt at night and have excellent night vision. Crocodiles also can hold
                  their breath for over 2 hours at a time.

                             It's very dangerous to hand feed them, although this trained
                             professional had no problem.

                              Here is Chopper!  He is the only male crocodile amongst 19 female
                              crocodiles.  Lucky dude!

      These are all freshwater crocodiles.  They are much smaller than the salt water crocodiles, but still very dangerous.  Notice there is nothing separating them from the handlers.

                                Can you find the 2 leaf bugs?

                              An extremely active Wallaby.  All the Kangaroos were not impressed
                              with his enthusiasm.

                               Ireland was delighted to feed and pet anything that would let her.

Cairns in Cairns.  Australians don't usually pronounce the letter R, so Cairns is actually said "Cans" They also pronounce Parker, Everly and Ireland like this: Paka, Evalee, and Island. 

                            

                                      -Parker