Written by Vision Australia volunteers and clients, Rhonda McCaw and Sue-Ann Hanson.
How can you describe the Smile of a Crocodile, the Scales of a Burmese Python or the Cuddly Fur of a Koala to someone who is blind or has low vision?
There was great excitement and anticipation for 15 Vision Impaired People (VIP's) who attended Symbio Wildlife Park, some who have never experienced wildlife first hand.
These encounters were made a reality thanks to the staff of the Wildlife Park. The Operations Supervisor, Ryan Leahy, started the day off by giving our group a private introduction to some friendly beasts; Chomp the Alligator, A Shingle Back Lizard and a friendly Tawny Frogmouth Owl.
Audrey Baker was intrigued by the animals, “The scales of the Shingle Back Lizard reminded me of a pine cone without the prickles, the softness and silkiness of the Tawny Frogmouth Owls feathers was amazing and Chomp the Alligator’s tummy reminded me of a luxurious handbag.”
We were then whisked off to the Reptile Talk and introduced to squeeze the Burmese Python and Bluey the Blue Tongue Lizard. Again, the opportunity to touch animals was granted to us.
“It was a great day,” said Helen Rae a volunteer. “I loved the added bonus of allowing people to touch the animals that they don’t get to see.”
James the Koala stole the show for Margaret Booth “He is so soft and cute, it is so rare that you get to pat one,” said Margaret.
Our close and personal experience did not end there; we were able to pat and feed ponies, goats, kangaroos and cows. It became clear that the day at Symbio wasn’t just about the tactile experiences, “It is really educational,” said Vicki Eyles. “I learnt all about Tasmanian Devils and how they are the only animals to transmit cancer from bites. We also learnt that if an animal displays either Red or Blue colours, it is a sign of danger."
“It was really amazing when I got to hold Squeeze a 2-metre long Burmese Python. I was really nervous as I have never held a snake before, feeling him gliding over my arm and shoulders, feeling his soft smooth cold body was not quite what I had expected. I was also amazed by the feet of the alligator and lizard as I was expecting claws but found the claws to be soft and leathery,” said Rhonda McCaw.
“Thank you to all the volunteers behind the scenes for their hard work,” said Cathy Egan.
Due to the wonderful staff at Symbio, the compassionate and enthusiastic audio describers and volunteers, the day was a success and we hope to develop similar experiences soon.
How can you describe the Smile of a Crocodile, the Scales of a Burmese Python or the Cuddly Fur of a Koala to someone who is blind or has low vision?There was great excitement and anticipation for 15 Vision Impaired People (VIP's) who attended Symbio Wildlife Park, some who have never experienced wildlife first hand.
These encounters were made a reality thanks to the staff of the Wildlife Park. The Operations Supervisor, Ryan Leahy, started the day off by giving our group a private introduction to some friendly beasts; Chomp the Alligator, A Shingle Back Lizard and a friendly Tawny Frogmouth Owl.
Audrey Baker was intrigued by the animals, “The scales of the Shingle Back Lizard reminded me of a pine cone without the prickles, the softness and silkiness of the Tawny Frogmouth Owls feathers was amazing and Chomp the Alligator’s tummy reminded me of a luxurious handbag.”
We were then whisked off to the Reptile Talk and introduced to squeeze the Burmese Python and Bluey the Blue Tongue Lizard. Again, the opportunity to touch animals was granted to us.
“It was a great day,” said Helen Rae a volunteer. “I loved the added bonus of allowing people to touch the animals that they don’t get to see.”
James the Koala stole the show for Margaret Booth “He is so soft and cute, it is so rare that you get to pat one,” said Margaret.
Our close and personal experience did not end there; we were able to pat and feed ponies, goats, kangaroos and cows. It became clear that the day at Symbio wasn’t just about the tactile experiences, “It is really educational,” said Vicki Eyles. “I learnt all about Tasmanian Devils and how they are the only animals to transmit cancer from bites. We also learnt that if an animal displays either Red or Blue colours, it is a sign of danger."“It was really amazing when I got to hold Squeeze a 2-metre long Burmese Python. I was really nervous as I have never held a snake before, feeling him gliding over my arm and shoulders, feeling his soft smooth cold body was not quite what I had expected. I was also amazed by the feet of the alligator and lizard as I was expecting claws but found the claws to be soft and leathery,” said Rhonda McCaw.
“Thank you to all the volunteers behind the scenes for their hard work,” said Cathy Egan.
Due to the wonderful staff at Symbio, the compassionate and enthusiastic audio describers and volunteers, the day was a success and we hope to develop similar experiences soon.