With the weather getting better we were finally able to get to the zoo! We invited Grandma and Grandpa Tasker to come with us, so the five of us set out for the Perth Zoo last Sunday morning to see all the animals. We arrived just as it opened, hoping to beat the crowd as well as see the animals when they were "more active" (our theory, not necessarily reality). Whilst the animals weren't all that 'active', most of them were enjoying breakfast or morning tea, so we did get to see a lot of them out and moving.

Sydney couldn't see much from her stroller, so she spent most of her visit riding atop Daddy or Grandpa's shoulders. She also enjoyed her morning tea of sultanas and strawberries as we walked through the African Savannah and Asian Rainforest.

This smile was plastered on her face for most of the morning. I think she really enjoyed see all the 'live' animals that we read about in books, put together in puzzles and play with from her toys. Rich and I bought a year-long zoo pass which means we can go anytime we want for "free" - that way if we only stay and hour or so or just want to pop down to see one part for a small while we can. Several girlfriends of mine also have the pass, so I think it will be well used. Here she's laughing at the monkeys who were eating apple then spitting it out - just like she does!
I can't remember what animal we were watching here, but by the expression on the face it was obviously quite intriguing.

I know everyone has seen a lion, but I just thought these two were looking magnificent - it's like they came out and purposely posed for us. The she-lion was in the back lazing around on another rock. About 5 minutes after we left them we heard this 'roaring' or 'barking' sound and looked around the corner and the female lion was standing at the glass looking at all the zoo visitors and 'barking' at them. Of course we missed it!
The happy family at the end of the zoo trip. Sydney is wearing her new hat of the aussie-style. You can't see it, but there's actually a long flap at the back to cover her neck; it's the required style of hat for all school kids since the sun is so harsh here (not that she's heading to school yet). It has bright red koalas on it. She's finally at the age where wearing a hat is 'neat' and she will often ask for one just to wear it around the house - so keeping it on at the park or outside isn't a real issue anymore - yeah!