Today we decide to head to the Manatee Reserve and the zoo. We arrange a motocarro driver for the morning and set off to the other side of town. The reserve is for endangered or injured animals where they help protect them or get them better.
Such amazing tree roots.
We first see these otter like creatures (no idea of the name). They stunk!
The monkeys were very cute being fed with bottles like babies.
Hundreds of baby turtles balancing on a log.
Next up was the main event - the manatees. We get to stroke and feed them too.
They are so unbelievably soft.
They have two little claws inside their mouth that come out to grab the food from our hands.
They love the banana.
On the way back to the motocarro we find out that our guide has a five year old son and he is called Cristiano Ronaldo! Apparently he is a massive fan of him which is strange as he is not Portugese or a Man Utd supporter which is where Ronaldo was at that time.
Next stop was the zoo which was just down the road. The animals are so animated. Never seen such lovely animals in the zoo.
The most animated, noisy and playful dolphin we have ever seen.
My pumas! They are a lot smaller than I would have thought. Like giant cats.
The fish have a fake eye on their tail to help protect themselves from preditors.
A whopping great anaconda. These fellas grow up to 30ft long in the wild. You would not want to come face to face with one. Even this one that was a "mere" 10ft long eat three whole chickens a day. I can just imagine Gazza heading down here with his fishing rod and a whole chicken at feeding time.
Strangely there seemed to be more monkeys outside of the cage than in it!!
The zoo is in a lovely setting in the middle of the jungle and set by a lake.
To our surprise we then arrive at a really lovely beach with the softest sand. All the kids are swimming in the lake. They must love coming here for the day. We naturally decided against a dip!
The scariest animal I've seen today... The Nat Lion.
When we get back I have a superb surprise. Man Utd vs Cardiff live is just about to start! I get to see Mata's debut. Very happy to be watching footie as it is the first live 90 min match I have seen since November. A quick dash to the shop for some beers and I am sorted for the next couple of hours!
That evening we go to a lovely Italian restaurant for dinner called Antica Pizzaria.
What a beautiful day at the zoo! Totally besotted with those adorable soft manatees! Never ever heard of them , but they are just so lovely! Touched by the motocarro driver proudly showing you little Cristiano Ronaldo's ID card......absolutely wonderful! The Nat Lion is gorgeous.....missing her! Really happy for you, Aaron, that you found some quality football to enjoy over a few beers...., and then off for a pizza,,,,,just like a Sat at home! Racing on to see the next day, now....greedy for the stacked-up blogs! Had my two vaccinations this morning in Boots in Redditch, and bought my first ever bag that crosses over the body.....all ready for S American adventures now!! My fondest love, Eric xxxxxxxxxx
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