Okay, so no lions…but plenty of the other species to enjoy at the Crocodiles of the World zoo in the Cotswolds! Yes, you heard it! A zoo full of crocodiles and alligators! Conceptually terrifying, but we had a great time! First thing’s first though, let’s get the safety disclosures out of the way:
As light-hearted as these were, there were plenty of other signs with very frank and concrete direction about how to (and not to) behave around the crocs.
I find it so interesting to reflect with the kids after a new experience, or listen to them share with others, what was most impactful to them. T2 has been telling the same story to anyone who will listen…well…at least her personal perception of it.
What really happened: T1 and T2 and I were standing near an enclosure, talking about something random. Probably something alligator-related. But it could have been Harry Potter, or princesses, or airplanes, or Harry Potter battling a princess on an airplane. I don’t know. There is so much random banter from those two, it’s hard to keep up. Suddenly, there was a kerfuffle (curfuffle?) in the enclosure, which included splashing and tail whipping. I let out a scream and jumped, grabbing T2 by the shoulders. They both screamed, because why not?! Once I drew air back into my lungs and made sure to swallow my heart, I said, “Well, that was scary, wasn’t it?!” (In my defense, and to ensure you I’m not being dramatic for the sake of readership, a woman near us said, “Lord, what was that about?”)
In T2’s eyes (who is 3yrs old, BTW): “a crocodile swished its tail, tried to go over the side and another crocodile, and went back in and there was a splash and mommy yelled.” Every adult that hears this gives me the side-eye. But I smile and nod and stand behind her rendition. Why would I admit that a little splash of water made me pee my pants a bit? I wouldn’t do that.
Onwards and upwards. There was more to see than just alligators and crocodiles.
For as much fear as the alligators caused, our special time with some female tortoises was really the highlight of the day. T1 was the only one old enough to accompany me during a back-stage encounter with the Giant Galapagos tortoises and he did so great!
There were three female tortoises at Crocodiles of the World and one male. Normally, the male tortoise is available to socialize, but he was otherwise occupied today.
And yes…I asked all the adult questions, despite being surrounded by kids. Our zookeeper did such a great job answering my questions, while still being very aware that young people were around. It is indeed the season for such tortoise behavior to occur and they do not stop any of it from taking place. In this exact instance, however, nothing was going to happen because “Dirk” had cornered “Zuzu” into such a precarious position that nothing was anatomically capable of lining up. She was stuck and couldn’t escape. D$&# it. Where is tortoise-consent?! We tried to entice him away with food, but Dirk is over 200lbs and presumably 80+ yrs old, so he is pretty set in his ways.
But “Isabella” and “Charlie” were happy to be pet and fed and loved on.
T1 was really brave. Despite how docile they looked and how slow they seemed, once food was introduced, the tortoises were walking bulldozers!
Sweet, sweet T1 is such a caring soul. We were told not to let the tortoises bite the metal tongs. But once we were finished, T1 confessed with a very worried tone, “But Mom, one time she ate the clippers.” I hope the world never hardens his loving heart.
I have always wanted to travel to the Galapagos for the sea lions…but now…I might just be in it for the Giant Tortoises!
Use Your Accent 