After arriving in Sydney last Sunday, this week was full of new experiences and learning in a new environment. Sydney has been amazing during my first week here, however, today stood out as a highlight. My classmates and I spent a day at the Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary where Australia’s incredible wildlife roam freely and we created some unforgettable experiences.
The kangaroos and emus were the first animals that caught my eye. They weren’t restricted by a fence, casually hopping and strolling around us unbothered as if they owned the place. We were able to pet both kangaroos and emus. The kangaroos’ gentle yet curious nature made this experience a lot more enjoyable and unforgettable for me. Some hopped around while others were lying down taking a nap and enjoying the sun. I also had a chance to meet Arnold the Koala. Before being able to meet Arnold, we had a chance to learn a little more about the wildlife in Australia and the sanctuary itself from Tessa, the owner of the reserve. She was very passionate about preserving Australian wildlife and culture and after listening to her story, this experience became much more meaningful. Arnold was as adorable and sleepy as you would imagine and being that up close to him was my favorite part of the day. This day wasn’t just about meeting animals but also about embracing some Australian skills. I tried both boomerangs and whip-cracking which were much harder than they looked, but incredibly satisfying when I heard that sharp crack for the first time. Today was a perfect blending of learning, fun, and connecting with nature.
