van wyk journeys October 28th, 2019
We arrived in Burnie early once again in a working port as we were greeted by large piles of shaved bark across from the tour bus parking lot. We made our way off the ship in the usual organized format receiving our coloured stickers denoting that we were going to Wings Wildlife Park. The trip took us through Burnie before turning inland through rolling green hills dotted with fields being turned for new crops.
Along the way, we made a brief stop on a scenic overlook looking out through a valley and a low range of hills in the distance. Everything was very green and lush looking. Back on the bus, we journeyed further inland finally arriving at the wildlife park.
First a little about Wings Wildlife Park. The park is multifaceted as you will see by clicking on the link but the primary purpose of the park is a sanctuary and rehabilitation place for injured animals. Some, such as Lottie the Koala has been in the park for a long time and now call it their home. They house all types of animals from small to large, click on animals and scroll to the bottom of the page to see a complete listing.
Once inside we were greeted by a beautiful Blue and Gold Macaw which was up to some interesting antics that were definitely intended to impress us. This was followed by a baby Wombat and then for me the Mercats as everyone else went to see the Tasmanian Devils. I did follow after and was entertained by the Devils, they are not large but they sure are mean and have a very scary sound/growl ar something like that, that makes the hair stand up on the back of your neck. They are vicious even towards there own. Offered “lunch” three of them fought over it until one won out over the others.
After the Devils, we saw curious small Marmosets, Australian Masked-Owl, and many more animals. The place where things were chaotic was the kangaroo enclosure. Here, it was clear that a handful of food made everyone a target where the roos would almost push the person delivering the food. Keith was a favourite as they followed him around. We found a mama roo with her baby’s head poking out of her pouch.
