Monarto Zoo, South Australia

Giraffe at Monarto Zoo, South Australia

Giraffe at Monarto Zoo, South Australia

Our local zoo is just a few kilometres down the road from our home in Murray Bridge. Monarto Zoo is a part of the Adelaide Zoo here in South Australia. We try to get to both of them several times a year, seeing they are so close. They are also world class zoos incorporating both the latest techniques in displaying the animals and in the conservation of endangered species.

Giraffes at Monarto Zoo, South Australia

Giraffes at Monarto Zoo, South Australia

Giraffes at Monarto Zoo, South Australia

Giraffes at Monarto Zoo, South Australia

Giraffes at Monarto Zoo, South Australia

Giraffes at Monarto Zoo, South Australia

Giraffes at Monarto Zoo, South Australia

Giraffes at Monarto Zoo, South Australia

The Bunyip, Murray Bridge

Murray Bridge has a few claims to fame. For example, the first bridge over the River Murray was opened in 1879. The local rowing eights team, the Cods, represented Australia in the 1924 Paris Olympics. There is one claim to fame, however, that usually goes unnoticed by many.

The only captive bunyip is on display at Sturt Reserve on the river bank near the CBD. It lives in a specially constructed watery cave near the playground. Little is known about the habits of this mythical creature, and until a few years ago it was not known whether we had a male of female. That debate was laid to rest when a baby mysteriously appeared.

Now I don’t have a photo of this amazing animal and its offspring. It is quite easy to get to see them but it does require a small sacrifice. On placing a coin in the appropriate slot one is treated to quite a performance. I’m not sure that taking a photo is the right thing to do – it might just take offence and grab the camera from my grasp. It’s not worth the risk.

Related web sites:
If you are interested in finding out more about this wonderful creature go to these special pages:

So the next time you visit Murray Bridge, pay a visit to the Bunyip and her little one – if you dare!