Archive for October 17, 2011

Creepy crawlies – this time in cages – next time however….

The last thing to do at uShaka, visit the dangerous creatures chamber of horrors.

Not for the faint-hearted

With lizards, scorpions and spiders filling the small nooks and crannies of the room everywhere you turned was something new. Not to mention little tricks and pranks just like Craig found out… man, you squeal like a girl!!

Basilisk spotting

From the bearded dragons to the basilisks (small lizards who can run on water!!) to bullfrogs the same size as dinner plates everyone found something to admire, photograph and want to take home.

Lunchtime for the bearded dragons

The eight year old iguana got petted by nearly all 29 students, eyes closed in ecstacy as you can see.

Left a bit left a bit, right a bit... thats the spot!

The baby alligators got fed, grabbing chicken necks as quick as they could, be it from Jason’s (their keeper) tongs or from each other. Masters of disguise, just as you think you’ve counted them all, another one appears out of the water to chow.

Some people were a little shocked at how big their little mouths really are

 

And then the snakes, from twig sized indonesian eyelash vipers, to boas that could eat small dogs and even a 5/6ft (approx) 64kg Python who does not have a waterbowl, but a bath tub!!

After that was a brief talk from two of the keepers about the importance of cleanliness within the cages – especially when there are so many in close proximity.

Tomorrow the Victoria street market for all your tourist memorabilia and the muthi market, an experience not to be forgotten!!

Even more fish!

Well done Charlie for giving all the UK students a bad name….

Only joking, Naomi has nicked his shoes!!

Spot the tourist....

 

Anyway, day three finds our students at uShaka the marine life centre on Durban beachfront.

 

Another early morning - poor things

 

Here everyone got to see…

 

Sea-sick turtle

There was the chance to get up close and personal and find out how a fish breathes.

 

Who knew chopping a fish could be so much fun!

 

Although not everyone liked the smell, again!

It's a bit fishy

 

Poor old Luke whose bag decided it didn’t want to leave Heathrow (but with some coaxing has joined us) got the chance to make a new friend.

 

Big screen debut

 

…a very good friend ;)

 

An unforgettable moment

 

Now time for the creepy crawlies and snakes before a spot of snorkelling- stay tuned!