Alexander's Mini Kid2Keeper

For Alexander's birthday before lockdown we gave him a Mini Kid2Keeper experience. We booked it for when we returned from Hervey Bay but because of going straight into lockdown we needed to rebook it. On 6th November I was able to take Alexander to the Reptile Park for our adventure. On the way I told him that I wanted him to be brave and have a go at doing different things because he might never have these opportunities again - like holding a snake, a lizard, etc. He told me that he would try.

We headed into the foyer and waited for the group to start. While waiting Alexander looked at the fake crocodile and tried to work out which tooth from Elvis might be missing (the one that was sent to him).

The group got their little vests and then headed over to the picnic area for the talks and a chance to hold some of the animals. They started with a Tawny Frogmouth. I was so proud of Alexander for having a go at holding it.

Next Alexander learnt about a shingleback lizard and was able to have a hold of one. I do love how it is made to look like it has 2 heads.

He participated in the discussions, putting his hand up to answer questions

He then had a turn of holding a blue tongue lizard.

Next up was a little corn field python. I didn't know if Alexander would have a go holding it, but he was brave and he did. Very proud of him.

They were then shown a funnel web spider and told a bit of information about them. Alexander took away from that that you need to tap your shoes before putting them on to make sure that the spiders aren't hiding in them. He would do this each time he put his shoes on for the next couple of weeks, even if his shoes were inside in his shoe box. Pretty cute.

They then got to pat a monitor (it wasn't one that you got to hold. It's claws were too strong apparently).

After a quick snack of banana bread the kids then went to the Rainbow lorikeets cage to stand inside it. The birds were pretty loud.

Then the kids went over to visit Hugo. They all got to go out and give him a pat (or a rub for luck) on his shell. He's such a beautiful animal.

Then we headed down to the Tasmanian devils. Here the kids got to feed them a little bit. What do you think they would eat? Cheese! The kids got a handful, rolled it into a ball and then threw it into the enclosure. Pretty special to have fed a tassie devil.

Alexander feeding the Tasmanian devils

The kids then went over and got to pat a koala. So nice and fluffy. The koala was Anna, not Flynnie.

We then made our way around to the dingos where the kids got to watch them being fed - again not what you think. It was cheese! 

We then finished off our tour by feeding the kangaroos. Alexander enjoyed this, although a lot of the kangaroos weren't very interested in the food.

He loved feeding this joey

This cheeky kangaroo wanted to try and escape. In all my visits I had never seen one up at the gate.

Alexander wanted to go and visit the Komodo dragons and as we walked over one of the keepers was in the rest area for the kangaroos. He invited some kids in to feed them some sweet potato. Alexander was hesitant but went in and gave one of the kangaroos a piece of sweet potato.

We then explored the park again - visiting the kangaroos, echidnas, Hugo and the alligators and we finished up at Elvis where we enjoyed a sneaky ice cream.

I decided that Alexander could use our last photo voucher because he just loves this place. I asked him which animal he wanted a photo with he smiled and said that he'd like the alligator. He was very brave to hold the alligator on his own.

We continued on the alligator theme and headed up to watch the alligators get fed. This time they were giving whole chickens to the alligators. One caught it and swam all the way over to us where he then chomped it down. Amazing to watch!

We continued around the park looking at birds, cassowaries and back to the kangaroos.

As part of his birthday present, Alexander went and chose a toy from in the gift shop. He looked around and then decided that he would get his own Elvis toy. I loved that idea! 

He took Elvis the toy to show Elvis the crocodile.

We hadn't seen Ranger Dan on this trip so as we were leaving I mentioned to the lady at reception about Alexander receiving the letter about Elvis and actually being sent a tooth but it had fallen out in the mail. She said that she had actually been talking to Dan about Alexander just the other day. So special. She said that Dan was very sad that the tooth didn't make it and he really wanted to give a new tooth to Alexander. She mentioned that Dan would love to have met Alexander. She told us that he works Sunday to Thursday so if we could go and visit him one of those days then Dan would love to see him. Alexander left very excited and we planned to return another Thursday down the track.

We headed home tired but filled with joy after such a fun day. Alexander clipped Elvis into the car so that he was safe for the trip home too. I'm so glad that we were able to do our Mini Kid To Keeper day and that he was brave and made the most of his time having some new experiences. He really loves this place.