Australia is a destination without equal in a lot of aspects. 10.685 beaches? Check. World class-cuisine in an array of cutting-edge coastal cities? Check. Landscapes and vegetation that ranges from the tropical rain forests of Northern Queensland to the immensely vast red outback deserts of the interior? Check.
If there is one thing, however, that sprang to my mind before visiting Australia for the first time back in 2011, it was its unrivaled array of quirky wildlife. Once I told my European friends that I would move Down under, there was a unison:” But what about the animals there? Isn´t it dangerous??” Well, theoretically, yes. But practically and with a tiny bit of common sense, no.
Animal encounters in Western Australia: From kinda dangerous to cuddly
Yes, there was a deadly red-back-spider in the shed of my former home South of Perth, as my partner nonchalantly pointed out when I stepped inside with no shoes. And yes, there were a few shark-related incidents on Western Australian beaches. But for the most part, the animals in Australia are to die for, not to die from.
Need some proof here? Alright, I´ll take you to a very special place in Pinjarra, to a small animal sanctuary otherwise known as Peel Zoo. Sounds good?
That Emu beak was more ticklish than anticipated 
Selfie time 
Meeting some pretty relaxed kangaroos 
Snack time 
Bambi time 
A self-assured peacock getting ready to impress
The unique thing about this place is that you get a possibility to really get up close and personal with the resident cuties here, and not in that “Come really close“-PR-kinda way, where you are still fifty meters away from the action. Buy some feed and venture into a part of the sanctuary where you can encounter endearing alpacas, deer, and curious chickens.
Peel zoo highlights: Soft snake skins and persistent parrot-pirate dreams
You can also hang out with some kangaroos, feed an emu, assist a snake expert talk and demonstration and hold a snake yourself, or spend time in the amazing walk-through-aviary. I tried my luck at holding a snake and honestly, I loved it! I assumed somehow the snake´s skin would feel cold and slippery, but instead, it felt quite warm and almost lovely to the touch. Of course, I was still a little unsure when holding a snake for the first time. But with all the messages we get around these reptiles in the media, that was to be expected…So if you visit, do give this experience a go, it might just completely change your attitude towards this beautiful animal!
If snake holding is not your thing, but you´ve somehow always secretly dreamed of being a pirate, you´ll have the chance to make this phantasy, at least partly, come true. How on earth, you may ask? Well, when wandering through the Peel Zoo aviary, it might just happen that a cheeky parrot spontaneously decides to hang out on your shoulder for a while. Take that, Captain Sparrow!
Snake demonstration at Peel Zoo 
Snakes turning into belts? 
Friendly parrots in the aviary 
This one surely had a lot of things to chirp 
Still chirping… Pirate-dreams do come true! 
A true parrot-chatterbox, ah chirperbox, he was!
All in all, you´ll come away from your hours spent at this sanctuary in the Peel region, an hour South of Perth, with a warm and fuzzy feeling and with some new-found friends from the Australian animal kingdom.
Back to you, dear reader: Have you ever interacted with Aussie wildlife before? If so, where and how did your experience go? Would love to hear from you.
A Gypsy at Heart 
Gorgeous photos. This was a pleasure to read. Makes me want to go there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much! I am happy you enjoyed it. If you have the chance, do visit, it´s such a special place (Western Australia in general, not just the sanctuary ;)). Have you ever been Down Under?
LikeLiked by 1 person
No I haven’t. Haven’t traveled much outside of the United States
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, am glad if you feel inspired to go there. The United States must have gorgeous natural places to visit, too! Haven´t been there yet, but it´s on my list 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good. There is a lot more to see other than the big ugly cities like NYC (my home).
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, I assume there must be something nice there, too, if you choose to live there? Must be an interesting place, I´ve seen it in that many movies, I am kinda curious about it. Seems crazy busy, though! Probably the opposite to the spaciousness of WA.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly. Crowds everywhere. Crazy busy is right. Plenty to visit and keep you busy. But other than Central Park, not enough nature here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, I can imagine! Well, there´s so much natural beauty to explore outside of the big cities, and to me that´s such a fountain of positivity, hope you have some places like that not too far from your home. I lived in big cities for most of my life, but my time in Australia totally changed my preferences. The power that lies in communing with nature can never be overestimated:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am laughing because I am planning ojn moving to Florida in 2019. Craving more palm trees and nature around me. Want to live a slower paced life.
I agree. It can’t be overestimated.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hehe, that´s the spirit. Sounds like a great plan! Palm trees are the best. Plus you´ll get away from those intense winters, right? I used to live in Hamburg/Germany for many years, winters in NY must be similar…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very similar I imagine. Tired of them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I feel you. Well am sure the move will do you good. Will make sure to post some more photos of Southern places soon to ease some of your burden:)
LikeLike
Thanks so much for that. Appreciate it
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure! And keep sharing that beautiful art of yours, I really love it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for saying that. Grateful
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sent you a short pm per email regarding your work. Logging off now. Will read you soon 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks will reply
LikeLiked by 1 person
Most beautiful Australia and cute birds.you are most lucky to see them.you know that before almost 1700 A.D.-nobody knew about this country.enjoy my courageous gypsy soul.I am waking with you as i feel.much love and big hugs,my yaar!!💕💕💕💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Meri jaan thanks so much for your sweet comment, yes Australia is an absolutely incredible place! I love it very much. Thanks for sharing lovely! Yes, its fascinating that Australia got explored so relatively late by European adventurers. But the Aboriginal Australians already settled Down Under like around 75000 years ago or so…fascinating. Much love meri jaan! Always happy and grateful when you visit 💕💕💕
LikeLike
Yeah.meri dost!!as you told about Australia,all facts are right.oh so much far distance from here.I see all places by your eyes and feel the amazing things as you feel.is it not enough for me?😘😘😘 meri jaan ho (are)tum(you),so i am able to see and feel by your soul.Big hugs and Muchas love.Shubhratri/Buonas noches,Qurerida amiga💕💕💕💕💕xxxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Meri jaan, bahut bahut dhanywaad! Thanks so much for all your support and enthusiasm. I am happy that you can travel with me in heart and mind! Much love and hugs amiga 💕💕💕 xxx
LikeLike
Hey my dear dost!! Do you not feel -I am walking with you😘😘😘😘it is issue depending on the soul. I know that you have a big friend circle for talking,walking,gosship,sharing each other experiences but it is sure ,whenever you are on blog or alone that time you thought about me🤗☺much love and big hugs my dear dost!!you are always in my mind and thought with love.Today is fast of me because here is celebrated a fastival”Til Chuoth”.this fast is for safety of our children and husband.every year this festival held in fourth day after full moon night according of Indian calender”Vikram Samvat”, at beginning of New Year. I take my dinner after seeing moon almost 10.00pm.how do you feel about our this festive day?I told you for your more information of Indian Festival.tomorrow is “Lohiri” and next day of tomorrow is Makar Sakranti(Kite day).that day Mostly Indians are playing with kite and flying all kites in sky.uff.yeah,India is the country of festivals,meri jaan!! 💕💕💕We are enjoying all days mostly in a year. 💖love and hugs Qureida amiga.xxxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Querida amiga, yes, I do feel that! Thank you 🙂 Thanks for your wonderful friendship-love, care, and loyalty! 💖 I think of you often as well. Bahut bahut dhanywaad also for sharing all this fascinating information about your festivals, it´s so interesting!! .Is the Indian calender still from the Vedic times? I love that you have all these colorful celebrations!! That Kite day sounds so fun!!! India is so alluring to me… amazing. Enjoy your celebrations, meri pyaari dost – mucho amor siempre (always) and hugs! xxx💖💖💖💖
LikeLike
After the vedic time,a king Vikramadiya of Ujjain Empire had begun a new calender by name “Vikarm Samvat”.our all religious festival happens according this samvat( calender).glad to know your interesting of learning every new things of all fields of different countries.☺ now i am going to sleep after taking my dinner.much love and big hugs.Shubhraatri/Bouenas noches,Querida amiga💝💝💝💖xxxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mere yaar, thanks for sharing! That´s all very interesting – bahut bahut dhanywaad for all your fascinating sharing about Indian culture and history!😇🙏 Hope you are having wonderful celebrations. Shubraatri y buenas noches querida dost 💝💝💖 xxxx
LikeLike
Yeah.my yaar!! I am really enjoy the all festival.now i am going to sleep cause of feeling tiredness.come in my dreams then we both talks on many things❤.if you are here,it is sure.,that you are most enjoying the festive like a crazy girl.🤗Much love and Big Hugs,Querida amiga.Shubhraatri and buonas noches ,my dear dost!!💕💕💝💝💝
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful meri jaan! Yes, I am sure I´d have a great time with you!! Much love and hugs, que descanses/ rest well dear dost 💕💕💝
LikeLike