Finding Home in Sydney

Volunteers led the groups of up to six, and while they were very nice and knew some answers, they weren't quite as expert as an actual zoo employees may have been on this behind-the-scenes tour. You start out in the koala enclosure (no touching--it stresses them out), where you can touch echidnas (pointy-nosed and porcupine-like). They were very inquisitive. That was a great start and offers a good chance to snap photos. Unfortunately, from there, we spent so long in rooms where food is prepared for the animals (interesting, but how many dead chicks and grubs can you look at?) or just looking at exhibits along with everyone else at the zoo that when we finally got to meet and pet a kangaroo (friendly and docile--he was used to people), we had only 2 minutes, because of a shift change. Still, you get right up next to koalas, and you can touch echidnas, snakes, lizards, and possums (much cuter and softer than in the U.S.). There's currently much construction there for a new food area and elephant area, but it's still a great zoo, with terrific harbor views.