Sunday, 31 May 2015

Seaview Wildlife Encounter

Not really a walk, just a wander round Seaiew Wildlife Encounter with a camera. Bus 8 drops off at the end of Oakhill Rd; passing a picturesque Water Tower we come to one of island chainsaw artist Paul Sivell's Green Man carvings.
water tower among trees at seaview wight


Green Man tree carving by Paul Sivell in Seaview, isle of wight
Seaview Wildlife Encounter was once known as Flamingo World and still is home to dozens of these flamboyant creatures, varying in colour from deep coral to palest pink. Flamingoes in Seaview Wildlife Encounter


Flamingoes in Seaview Wildlife Encounter
One thing  l learned was that flamingoes don't actually stand on one leg at all;  what appears to be a knee bent backwards is in fact the ankle and heel, as its knee is much further up, hidden underneath its feathers. So the whole length from the ankle to the toes is actually a giant foot.  So half the flamingo’s legs are actually its feet, and it stands on tiptoes!
Flamingo head in Seaview Wildlife Encounter
Flamingoes in Seaview Adventure Park
There are two Pink-backed Pelicans, which originate from Arabia, Madagascar and Africa.
Pelican in Seaview Wildlife Encounter


Pelican in Seaview Wildlife Encounter
Numerous ducks and geese follow you around hoping for a feed.
ducks in Seaview Wildlife Encounter
There were several peacocks, one of which permanently displayed his fine tail.
Peacock in Seaview Wildlife Encounter


Peacock in Seaview Adventure Park
This was the first time I had seen a Laughing Kookaburra, surprisingly large and happy to chat to anyone who clucked at him.
Kookaburra in Seaview Wildlife Encounter
Just about the only duck species I can recognise is this colourful Mandarin Duck.
Mandarin duck in Seaview Wildlife Encounter
I do like this shot of a flamingo hiding his head in his feathers. Apparently this is their sleep position so perhaps he is just about to doze off!
flamingo in Seaview Wildlife Encounter
Two colourful parrots share a cage.
Parrot landing on bucket in Seaview Wildlife Encounter

Parrot at Seaview Wildlife Encounter

Just a handful of meerkats but still adorable.
meerkat in Seaview Wildlife Encounter


Meerkat in Seaview Wildlife Encounter
The park is home to a mob of Bennett's Wallabies like this dozy albino. Visitors can go walkabout in their enclosure; they are very friendly and love to be stroked as this little one found out.
Albino Wallaby with small child in Seaview Wildlife Encounter
This is one a number of albinos in the park, though they are rare in the wild.
Sleeping white Wallaby in Seaview Adventure Park
Members of the camel family, young alpacas like this one are called 'crias'.
Alpaca in Seaview Adventure Park
Three otters scamper about an enclosure supplied with lake and otterhouse.
Otters in Seaview Wildlife Encounter


Otter in Seaview Wildlife Encounter
It was near feeding time and the otters huddled around the gate waiting for their food and miaowing....like this.
Otter in Seaview Wildlife Encounter
They were dry when I arrived but soon gave in to the temptation for a dip!
Otter in Seaview Wildlife Encounter
Penguins never fail to amuse and these Humboldt penguins were cute.
Humboldt Penguin in Seaview Wildlife Encounter
Enjoying the sun....
Humboldt Penguin in Seaview Wildlife Encounter
Off for a dip...clearly a group decision.
Humboldt Penguins in Seaview Wildlife Encounter


A line of Humboldt Penguins in Seaview Wildlife Encounter