Check, Check, Check!

So, I am proud to say that I have checked another thing off my list making it three in total so far. Well, three if you include the ongoing album of all things beautiful and awesome. The lucky entry today was............Angela McNamara! Her entry was to go to the Auckland Zoo and have an animal encounter! So today I did just that!

When I woke up this morning it was beautiful and sunny! Were were originally supposed to get rain today, but it turned out to be the most gorgeous day since I have been here (all 5 days). It was so sunny, hot and beautiful that I even got my tan on while I was at the zoo. I didn't notice until I went to the bathroom and looked in the mirror and voila there were my freckles. I took the bus over to the zoo nice and early, and I figured I could do it today before the Easter break kicks in and the place would be teeming with children. The Auckland zoo is actually pretty small compared to some. There are some really good animals there too, and I love the way they have their enclosures set up. There are very little 'cages' at the zoo, and a lot of open enclosures. It made it feel more open, and it sure made for way better pictures. I can imagine the animals like it better too. So I walked around looking at all the zoo had to offer and I made sure to stop into the Kiwi house. I mean I am in New Zealand, I should probably see a kiwi asap, and it is on my list to kiss one. Well I went through the kiwi house, and everything was dark. Apparently they are nocturnal animals I guess. Well I looked and I looked and I looked a little more but I still have not seen a kiwi! I don't know how many were supposed to be in there and where they all were but I didn't see even one of them! Oh well I guess, I will have to wait until I go on my trip to see a kiwi.

So after seeing the majority of the park I headed off to my animal encounter destination. I wanted to be there nice and early to secure my spot in the line. As it happens I was the very first in line, first in front of all the children! To that I say, honey badger don't give a care! I really was first in line, and the rest seemed to be children and Asians but I was super pumped. I chose the Giraffe for my animal encounter! Giraffes are my absolute favourite! They always have been and most likely will always be my favourite. So I was pretty pumped I got to feed one, I have never done that before! The zoo volunteer gave me a stick of celery just before it was my turn and the guy was still yapping about giraffe facts. Then it was my turn! I stepped up, held out the celery in one hand and my camera in the other. Then I took a picture just as he wrapped his big blue tongue around the celery. I also snapped another one after the celery was already in his mouth and I reached out for a little pat. Then it was time for me to step aside and let the children have their turn. It was all very quick! I took another picture of a girl feeding the giraffe and then stepped off the platform. Then I looked back at my pictures of me feeding it. I was pissed when I flicked back to the picture of when the celery was still in my hand and my camera just had a black screen! That has happened to me before but never on something as important as this! Luckily I did take the other picture sans celery but my hand is still in the picture and you can obviously tell it is close up. It was a very cool experience though, so thanks Ang for adding that to my list!

I have said it before and I will say it again, I LOVE this list. I think it is such a great idea and I am so much enjoying trying to check things off!

Also side note, if anyone wants my address or phone number I have both of those now so please feel free to message me on facebook or e-mail me for the deets! That is all for now, enjoy the zoo pictures, tomorrow is Auckland Domain and possibly the art gallery.