Wild Ropes at Taronga

When I decided that I wanted to tackle Taronga Zoo's Wild Ropes for a "50 Before 50" activity, I wasn't really sure what was in store.  I've heard of ropes courses.  I've known others who have done them.  This one hovers over animal enclosures at Sydney's Taronga Zoo.  Sounds cool, right?  They are open to kids 8 years and older (reaching a height requirement).  How difficult can it be?

I knew my friend Shelby and her son P were coming to visit.  My stepkid and I checked out the website and pictures and decided we'd buy all of us a package while they were here for a Christmas present from our family to theirs.  Prices actually seemed somewhat reasonable (because most things in Sydney are not reasonably priced.)  We selected the "Adventure Package" which consisted of:

Adventure Package + Zoo entry - includes access to two courses plus same day Zoo entry. Purchase a combined Wild Ropes / Taronga Zoo ticket online and save:
Adult $69
Junior* $45

We arrived a little early which was great...enough time to use the toilet, drink some water, check out the duck pond and water fowls next to the course...and check out these guys just chilling out...they are situated underneath part of the Wild Ropes course.

We weren't allowed to take anything with us...meaning no cameras and no phones.  We got harnessed up, were given a few basic instructions, had a picture taken, and then, we were on our way. 

P was the brave one who volunteered to go first, and he was an awesome leader!  We'd here him yelling through the trees shouts of encouragement: "Erin, you got this!" and "Good job, Liam!" 

Honestly, I don't even know how to adequately describe the challenges.  First, let me say, they were NOT as easy as I expected.  We needed balance.  We needed more strength than I predicted.  There were ropes (duh!) and platforms, things that swing and shake and rock and move.  There was a "lower" course that we tackled first, and a "higher" course that we conquered secondly.  We basically kept calling ourselves "America Ninja Warriors"; the stepkid called himself an "Australian Junior Ninja Warrior".

Speaking of the stepkid...I can't tell you how proud of him we were.  There were some times when he was nervous, scared, unsure, and outright saying, "I'm not doing it".  There were moments of coaching, encouraging, supporting, and even bribing him to tackle certain apparatus challenges.  He rocked at some, and others were rocking him to the core.  But, he did it!  He did them all! 

Look at that little "Australian Junior Ninja Warrior" crossing that rope!

Speaking of overcoming some obstacles...the stepkid overcame fear.  Shelby, well, she overcame injury.  At some point, in the first course, she felt her arm/shoulder pop.  She pushed through.  She thought maybe she wouldn't do the second course, but after seeing Liam overcome his fear, she thought she'd overcome her discomfort.  (Since she's gone home and seen a doctor, she's learned that she strained a pectoral muscle and ruptured a rotator cuff; she was even sent to a specialist to make sure surgery wasn't needed!)

Once finished, we all needed about 6 gallons of water each.  We were sweaty messes, all pretty happy with our accomplishment and experience, and ready to visit the zoo. 

Another "souvenir" from Wild Ropes - matching bruises on our arms!

This is the type of activity that is exactly what I wanted for my 50 Before 50 list - something I've never done before, something I shared with loved ones, and something that made me feel pumped about myself after doing it. 

Have you done a ropes course?  What did you think?

Zoo Parent

I have a "50 Before 50" list.  #10 on that list says "Adopt an animal at Taronga Zoo".  I love zoos, but I will admit that the animal lover in me can get a little sad worrying about the life and treatment of animals in a cage for human beings' enjoyment.  What I LOVE and admire at Taronga Zoo is they are hugely supportive and actively involved in animal health, conservation, education, breeding, and research.

I took this while standing on the ferry dock at Taronga Zoo

It takes less time adopting an animal that it does ordering a pizza online.  Why haven't I done this before? 

Before visiting the "Adopt-an-Animal page" on Taronga's website, I read about Taronga's breeding programs.  I chose to adopt the Tasmanian Devil after reading that these guys and gals are "disappearing at an alarming rate" and knowing they are a unique animal native to Australia.  After reading about the "Devil Facial Tumor Disease" that has infected approximately 60% of this animal's total population, I wanted to support Taronga's breeding program to combat the decline of this animal as it hit "endangered species" status.

photo source

I received this in an email conservation: 

Thank you for supporting Taronga by adopting an animal through the Zoo Parent program. Funds raised by Zoo Parent help to support Taronga's work in conservation, education and research projects here in Australia and overseas. Most importantly, they help us to help provide the best possible care for all the animals here at Taronga and Taronga Western Plains Zoos. Welcome to the Zoo Parent family.

Animal: Tasmanian Devils

Again, why haven't I done this before?

I urge you to research your local zoo (if you have one where you live).  Or any animal rescue, animal hospital, wildlife care center.  Take a look to see if they have something in place that is this easy to contribute to the health and care of our furry (or scaly or feathered) friends. 

A "50 Before 50" activity:

Do you like zoos?  Do you have a favorite to visit?

Sunday's Seven Snapshots vol.57: Taronga Zoo

On Monday, I went to Taronga Zoo with a friend of mine and her mother.  This isn't my first visit.  I think it's my fourth (?) since living here, maybe fifth time to go.  I love zoos.  I've never been to a zoo by myself, and after this visit, I decided I must change that...soon...because I want to spend whatever amount of time at whatever animal exhibit I want without worrying about the enjoyment of others.  I'm not being selfish.  I just want to sit and watch the animals without feeling rushed. 

 

If I was a good blogger (or a travel blogger), I'd give all sorts of tips, prices, and a whole lot more information.  I'm not.  I'm keeping with my theme of "Sunday's Seven Snapshots"...I thought I'd share some happy snaps from my zoo adventure.  (Plus, these are really about the only good ones I got because my iphone 5 sucks and the battery life has been terrible.  Rant over.)

 

From Circular Quay, I caught a ferry to Taronga Zoo.  This picture was taken from the ferry dock.

How fun are seal shows?  Fun.  How smart and lovable are these animals?  Very.  "Seal Theatre" sits on up above Sydney Harbour.  So, the blue you see in the background is the harbour with a red boat cruising by in the upper right corner.

Taronga Zoo right now has a lot of baby animals.  They are a zoo that prides itself on its breeding programs, and they've done well.  Here's a baby giraffe in all its gangly glory.

The elephants' exhibits overlook Sydney Harbour as well.  The male is kept separate from the females and the youngster. 

There are a couple of entrances to the zoo.  At the lower entrance, this guy greeted me as I bought a ticket.

I can't tell you in adequate words how amazing the gorillas and chimpanzees are at this zoo.  When we approached the gorilla exhibit, one big daddy (you can see his buttcrack in the upper right hand corner) was laying on his side.  While standing there, he rolled over to see a mama gorilla and this baby gorilla laying with him.  The baby got up and started to play.  Of course, I could get no good pictures because I was ooohhhing and aaahhhing too much.  I think this photo says "come play with me."

Taronga has a "Sky Safari" ... like, a cable car that hangs from the sky ... and, you know, I had to take a selfie while I was in it. 

These pictures don't do this zoo justice.  You can have "animal encounters" (feed giraffes, take a picture with a koala, have an owl sit on your arm).  There are chimpanzees and penguins, platypus and red pandas, komodo dragons and pygmy hippos....and so much more. 

Recently, Wild Ropes opened in the zoo.  Oh-eme-gee.  I want to do this!  AND, the have "Roar and Snore" where you can "(c)amp in safari style tents in the heart of Australia’s most famous zoo, and wake up to spectacular views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge."  Anybody want to tell my husband that I want to do this for my next birthday????

If you come to Australia, I promise I will be your personal tour guide (if you want me) to this zoo.  I love it.  Who's with me??