Friday, August 17, 2012

Kangaroo Creek Farm Visit


I've had a busy few days this past week, so when a work colleague told me recently that there was a kangaroo farm in my neighbourhood, I couldn't think of a better way to unwind and made immediate plans to visit.


Relaxed and completely at ease, the kangaroos were all lounging around when I arrived and enjoying an afternoon siesta. All the resident kangaroos were born and bottle fed at the farm, so they're better able to cope with human visitors of all ages.  They certainly appeared to be enjoying all the attention and affection that was being lavished on them. 


Their ancestors originated in New Zealand and a lucky few were brought to Canada when the New Zealand government determined that all non-native animals, such as the kangaroo, were deemed to be pests and their lives terminated.  

Known as wallaroos, Kangaroo Creek Farm promotes them as alternative hobby farm animals, suitable for very specific situations. I was very pleased to find that all the animals were well adjusted and at peace, in spite of the activity going on around them.  The owners seem to genuinely care for their charges and enjoy sharing information about their life cycles and behaviour.  They don't charge an entry fee, but do welcome donations.  

This female, carrying a joey in her pouch, seemed to prefer sitting on her tail with the length of it stretched out in front of her. 



This little fellow was mellow personified and, literally, didn't bat an eye when anyone stopped by to pet him.  



Judging by all the nacho chip debris strewn around him, I'd say he was sleeping off an eating binge.  I recognize the look.



Kangaroo's rear feet are very elongated with a single nail on each of their three 'toes'.




Among the highlights of my visit was this little bundle of cute.  



Curled up inside a pouch, this albino joey was only a few months old and seemed to relish being held by anyone who wanted to cuddle him.  There were lots of willing arms and I enjoyed his delightful company a couple of times.

In addition to the kangaroos, there were also a pair of diminutive goat kids, emus, and a couple of parrots.




Also new to the farm are a pair of pot belly piglets.  I found this one irresistible with his perfectly formed ears and little chubby cheeks.




I wanted to bring one of each of these little darlings home with me, but finally had to tear myself away and leave empty handed.  *sigh*  I think I'm going to have to fit at least on more visit here into my schedule before moving day.

10 comments:

neora chana said...

Wow! sounds like great fun! One time in MS, I went to a petrified forest and on the way, saw kangaroo crossing signs, but not a kangaroo. Sounds like it was a great day!

Diane Cayton-Hakey said...

I love that the sleepy one has a bed to sleep on. How nice is that! :-)

June said...

Are the kangaroos coats soft or do they have more "hair" than "fur"? Precious faces on all of those critters. I would have held that little white baby all day long!!!!!

Cindy Garber Iverson said...

The albino joey is adorable! I'm having an instant cute attack.

Cindy

Christina said...

I would love to meet all these sillies. What a bunch of cuties and a lovely way to spend the day.

DesertHen said...

So Very Cute!

Carolynn Anctil said...

Neora: It WAS a great day and an awesome discovery.

Diane: Apparently, that's his spot. It's under a shady tree and they also have a canopy set up for him.

June: Their fur is quite coarse, actually. If not for the children staring me down, I would have cuddled that little joey all day, too!

Cindy: I thought I was in love, then he started licking me and I KNEW I was.

Christina: It was one delight after another and their sense of calm was a real testimony to their caregivers' husbandry.

DesertHen: Even better up close.

altadenahiker said...

Heaven. And just one more visit? (Weird little Altadena has a private house with wallabies in the front yard.)

Muddy Boot Dreams said...

All this time up here and I had no idea that we lived near kangaroo's.

They are adorable, and on my list for a one day visit.

Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams

Carolynn Anctil said...

Karin: I think I'd be making friends with those guys and offering to babysit. *grin*

Jen: You HAVE to go! It's so awesome, it's easy to find and it's not far. They've been there 20 years and no one's heard about them. They're one of the Okanagan's best kept secrets.

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