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.
Gorgeous photos. This was a pleasure to read. Makes me want to go there.
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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?
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No I haven’t. Haven’t traveled much outside of the United States
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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 🙂
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Good. There is a lot more to see other than the big ugly cities like NYC (my home).
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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.
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Exactly. Crowds everywhere. Crazy busy is right. Plenty to visit and keep you busy. But other than Central Park, not enough nature here.
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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:)
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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.
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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…
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Very similar I imagine. Tired of them.
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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:)
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Thanks so much for that. Appreciate it
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My pleasure! And keep sharing that beautiful art of yours, I really love it.
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Thank you so much for saying that. Grateful
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Sent you a short pm per email regarding your work. Logging off now. Will read you soon 😉
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thanks will reply
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