One of the random things we did in Ireland was go to a wildlife park near Cork. We weren't too sure about going, but we're really happy we did. It was incredible. The wonderful thing about the park was that generally the animals weren't in cages, which made for some pretty incredible pictures. Most of the animals had small electric fences around their large "enclosures," and the various monkeys were separated from each other and the humans on islands. I'm assuming they don't like water or they would have been all over the place. This wildlife park was unlike anything we'd ever seen, and it was money well spent. I took about 300 pictures while we walked around, so here's just a few of my favorites.
There were a lot of zebras and giraffes, pretty typical for any zoo.
The zebras and giraffes had a lot of land they could roam around in, but these three were hanging out right next to each other.
The skittish animal next to my husband is called a mara, which is a South American rodent, like a guinea pig. These were wondering around the place.
There were beautiful peacocks wandering around, too.
I loved these white ducks (although my husband says they're not ducks). Whatever they are, they were absolutely beautiful.
This mama and her baby made my uterus clench. Sorry for saying uterus.
I could have spied on them all day, but we had to go to the cheetah feeding!
For the cheetah feeding, they strung these rabbit pieces on a tether that went around the enclosure. Then the cheetahs would race after the food, providing entertainment for the crowd and exercise for the cheetahs.
Get it!
This one was a little lazy and wouldn't take it off the tether once he finally got the rabbit.
No. It's mine!
These were beautiful animals, and it was so fun to see them in action instead of just laying around their cage.
More giraffes.
The kangaroos were not in any sort of cage or enclosure. We could have walked right up to them, but I've heard they can break bones when they kick you. We stayed away.
Wheee says the spider monkey.
This guy was just hanging out. For all those times you wish you had another hand...just get a tail!
This is the wild teenager having fun on the ropes. The mama and her baby are in the background.
If you're ever in Ireland, check out the wildlife park on the south end of Ireland near Cork. You won't be disappointed! There's so much to look at...just don't forget your camera!
If you're ever in Ireland, check out the wildlife park on the south end of Ireland near Cork. You won't be disappointed! There's so much to look at...just don't forget your camera!