It’s true, I slept in a zoo! Get ready to ROAR & SNORE.

 

I don’t care if you’re a Sydney resident, a travelling tourist or a wandering gypsy, you absolutely MUST add Toronga Zoo’s “Roar and Snore” to your bucket list. And if you happen to be stumped for a gift idea for that someone special, look no further. I booked this experience for my man’s 30th birthday and it was a hit! (Phew, men are hard to buy for sometimes).

 

 

Oh boy, what an experience, where do I even begin? My mind is all a buzz. I fear my writing may turn to non-sensical mush due to my inability to get my over excited thoughts down quickly enough! Ok, slow down and breathe Gemma, let’s start at the very beginning…

We arrived at the zoo at 6pm. Aside from a small group of us gathered for this experience, the zoo became a human-free zone. It was seemingly uninhabited. So quiet and peaceful.

Side note: I booked the adults only night, so no noisy kiddies running around to interupt our romantic rendezvous with nature.

We ambled our way through the grounds to our campsite  (arguably the most glamourous campsite in the world. “Glamping” anyone?) and took in the sweeping Sydney views and spectacular sunset show. Did I mention the giraffes occupy the greatest piece of real estate in Sydney? Check it out!

 

 

After settling in and enjoying a light snack we were introduced to some slithery, scaly friends. It was here that I learned the depth of work that goes into maintaining a zoo, the number of employees, volunteers, rescued animals, wildlife conservation and rehabilitation programs – I take my hat off to you Taronga Zoo. So much love, passion and care for our beautiful animal kingdom, I thank you.

Then it was off to a delicious buffet dinner with a view, followed by a zoo night walk. I wish I had more photos to share from this part of the tour but a strict “no flash” policy is put into practice so as not to disrupt and disorientate the animals. And rightly so! Needless to say, the night walk was a truly incredible experience.

By 10pm it was time for finger lickin’ dessert and a cosy warm bed to rest our weary heads. Little did I know that a magical pink and purple painted sunrise was waiting to awaken us by morning…

 

 

After a 6:30am wake up and light breakky we were treated to a busy morning of “behind the scenes” meet and greets with a whole range of furry friends. All before the zoo opened its doors to the public.

I’m going to leave it to the photos to acquaint you with this part of the journey because they really are worth a thousand words, but I’d like to note that the majestic big cats and “Mitchy” the seal were the front runner highlights for me.

Enjoy!

 

I’d like to give a special thank you to the wonderfully welcoming and friendly Taronga Zoo staff. Your warmth and knowledge were a valuable addition to the most unforgettable overnight zoo adventure.

Love Peanut xo

Pssst! To book your own “Roar & Snore” experience click HERE. But get in quick, there’s a wait list for this little escapade.