Julia Creek Dunnart

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We visited the David Fleay Wildlife Park today with Totsu, our Japanese homestay student. I used to read David Fleay’s nature articles in the Courier Mail in the early ’60s so it is always a pleasure to visit the wildlife park he established. This time was particularly special as we were able to see the platypus playing … feeding on worms, climbing to the top of their waterfall and diving off. Difficult to photography in the semi-dark.

The Nocturnal House is also home to Greater and Mahogany Gliders, Bilbies and the cute Julia Creek Dunnart which was running around then standing on its hind legs to inspect the tourists.

Saltwater Crocodile

In the Wetlands Habitat we found this male salty lurking. The staff told us that he had been fed yesterday and would not be hungry, however, he did seem to quietly drift closer as we stood on the bridge. “Tasty tourist snack … mmmm.” Click on the photo to enlarge and get the full effect.

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Cassowary

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Next we introduced Totsu to Australia’s heaviest flightless bird, the Cassowary which are native to far north Queensland’s tropical rainforests.

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Don't mess with these claws!

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A beautifully coloured bird but one you would not want to mess with … check out the feet!

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Totsu with her new friend 

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Totsu was fascinated with the Cassowary ….

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Cassowary

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and he seemed to like her. Following her and butting the fence.

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Paddymelon with joey

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I was videoing the Cassowary when Totsu squealed. She had spotted this Paddymelon with a joey poking its head from her pouch.

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Brogla parents with 2 month old chick

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Seeing the Brogla family was special. The chick was only born in January … just a white ball of fluff and now half the size of his parents.

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Totsu getting close to Australian wildlife

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After watching a Kangaroo sitting is a tree we went to the Snakes up Close presentation where Totsu showed real courage reaching out to touch the python being demonstrated.

David Fleay has left us a special legacy. A place I am always happy to return.