After our plans to go camping last bank holiday week had to be shelved due to Mark not being well we did actually manage a day out to Twycross Zoo in Leicestershire. A lovely day out and much needed time together during this very busy month for me where Mark is likely to feel quite neglected as most of my weekends are taken up with work.
Twycross is a wonderful zoo with such emphasis onconservation and a particular interest in primates although there are so many other wonders to see. Every animal is 'my favourite' when I am standing watching their antics and behaviours but I have always loved owls and their wordly wise demeanor. The meerkats had us returning to their enclosure again and again and really I could have stayed watching their family gatherings all day.
There was a baby elephant born just 4 weeks ago who was comical in her performance for her adoring audience and as ever the gorillas just moved me to tears. I have often found them difficult to watch (although watch them I will, as I am so very fascinated by them). I have always found them sad and melancholy creatures and worry that they are just so aware that they are in captivity -although I was pleasantly reasurred this time to read that actually their melancholy facial expressions are a sign of contentment.
I was so tempted to take my sketchbook but as this was a 'date-day' you know sometimes you just have to leave it at home!
A lovely, educational, satisfying day out indeed.
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