BirdPark Outing on 26th September 2009
After spending the previous Saturday learning about what the Pelican represents in terms of values, it was time to meet the real Pelicans! The cubs were all very excited as we have arranged a special programme with the BirdPark to let them get acquainted with the birds.
On reaching the BirdPark, the cubs were divided into 3 groups, each under the care of Maggie, Amberly and Haniman, the guides for the programme. The cubs were given a pleasant surprise – a pelican key chain would be given to everyone at the end of the programme (provide none misbehaved), and a bottle of Vitagen and a snack would be given out as a welcome treat!
The guides then brought the cubs, in their respective teams, to the Pelican Cove, where all the 7 species of pelicans were housed. Another surprise was unveiled – there is actually another species, the Peruvian Pelican, who is a close relative to the Brown Pelican. Perhaps one would be brought to the BirdPark next year to complete the collection! The cubs learned to recognize each of the 7 species of pelicans., and their characteristics. They learned that the pelican is actually one of the heaviest bird that fly – weighing up to 15 kgs.
Next it was feeding time – each cub was given a fish (a 'nasi lemak' fish) to feed the pelicans. There is nothing like food to attract the birds, and soon a large flock gathered near the cubs, and they started throwing the fish into the bills of the pelicans. They had to be careful not to put the fish too near to the pelicans' beak, as they might be snatched away. Feeding was fun, but everyone wished they were given more than one fish!
Next the cubs visited the flamingoes, pretty in pink. There were so many of them, and they appeared so graceful, so majectic. Apparently they breed easily in captivity, unlike the pelicans.
Then it was time to go to the Splash and Slide Station! But first, some snacks to get the energy up. The snacks were generously provided by Auntie Santi, who is cub Sangitha's mum. They were delicious, and everyone was happily munching, and talking at the same time. Tummies filled, the cubs then quickly changed into their swimming attire, and spared no time in getting wet – the big boys aimed straight for the spray gun, while others just ran around, happy for water to be sprayed and splashed on to them. Some cubs didn't want to get wet, so they went onto the slides and other contraptions in the playground.
All good things must come to an end, and soon, at just before noon, the cubs changed into dry clothes, and bade a reluctant farewell to the BirdPark. So long, we had a great time, and we want to return!
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