Outing to Banham Zoo, Norfolk

We went to Banham Zoo today, which was opened originally in 1968 – it’s quite a cute little zoo and very kiddie friendly.   

arriving at the zoo

T Rex and fans

The enclosures all seem in good condition and well marked, with good quality information bulletins; we are looking forward to returning to the zoo again in the summertime, as there are plenty of areas for picnicking and playing areas for children. 

Part of the kiddies entrance fee included a visit to Santa’s Grotto and a gift ...   

Are you ready to see Santa?

Polar bear in Santa's Grotto

Penguin in Santa's Grotto

Santa's helpers

so Faye and Ewan, have you been good?

A big boy toy for you, Ewan!

A big girl toy for you, Faye!

 

Leaving Santa's Grotto - note could not wait to open the present at all.

 

I think the visit to Santa went down a bomb and the presents that they each got were very good quality (Faye received a large furpile elephant and Ewan got a monkey building game).

Only downer for me, was on getting into the small queue to see Santa, one of the Zoo assistants was walking around showing people her pet Madagascan Hissing Cockroach.  What?  No effing way was I going anywhere near HER, I can tell you.  So I hid in a corner till she’d swapped the cockroach for a giant land snail (weird girl if you ask me, in need of some serious psychotherapy)

this picture isn't staying on this blog for very long either!

large land snail

papier mache tiger in the entrance to santa's grotto/activity centre

The kiddies had a great time looking at all the animals.  Especially fun (we thought) was the open enclosures where you can walk around and the animals come right up close to you – i.e. the Lemur and Deer enclosures. 

Anyone seen Santa?

Lemur about to jump into the tree

We had lunch at the Parrot Pavilion, I couldn’t resist having a go at the roast beef dinner in a Yorkshire pudding ... yum. 

A few more images from our visit to the zoo as well as the English countryside .....

Cross in the sky

Crows over a thicket -common sight in Britain

Llama

plenty beautiful birds to see

huddling lemurs

John Paul George and Ringo - these were staring at me when I was speaking to you on the phone Andrew!

South African Fur Seals

Meerkats ... not stupid, they are huddling around the infrared lamp to keep warm!

another pwitty birdie

Snow Leopard

cockydoolladoo bird

Faye and one of the souvenirs she bought for herself and Ewan

Suffolk Horses

More green fields of England

Maned Wolf

where are the penguins?

ah here he is

Boo!

Scarlett Ibis ... er Hadedahs ...

By the way, we had to ford a stream to get to the zoo and on the way home, one of the roads we wanted to travel down was closed, due to flooding.