creatures

The inhabitants of C&J's Animal Park

By Melissa Keizer

November 29^th, 2018

Months ago, as I was scouring the internet for fun things to do locally, I came across a link to an animal park in Craigavon. It looked promising, as I spotted some farm animals along with reptiles and lemurs in the website photos.

So on a lovely bright day in September, Mikey and I set off to visit the creatures of C&J's Animal Park, of which there were many!

Scaled creatures

After entering the park we soon came across a wooden hut, home to many different reptiles, amphibians and insects. We were very happy to learn that we could handle most of the animals in this hut. After being asked what we'd like to hold first, Mikey chose the largest creature of the lot, their Bosc Monitor.

We also got to play with their lovely little Corn Snake.

Mother of Dragons!

CRAWLY CREATURES

The wooden hut was also home to some of the less-cuddly looking creatures, including a scorpion and a Curly-haired Tarantula. After a little bit of encouragement, I agreed to hold the tarantula, despite my crippling fear of spiders. It was all going fine until she started to crawl up my arm towards my shoulder! Luckily a staff member took her from me before I let any screams escaped my mouth.

She just wants to be friends...

Feathered creatures

As we strolled through the many enclosures in the park, we saw a wide array of colourful parrots, various breeds of chicken and the impressive European Eagle-Owl.

We also came across the second-largest living bird in the world, the pre-historic looking Emu!

Hooved Creatures

Remember that 3 Mobile TV advert that had a Shetland Pony dancing to Fleetwood Mac's "Everywhere?" Well it looks like its star has been enjoying his retirement in Craigavon! 😄

We also made friends with a donkey and some nosey goats.

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AND EVERYTHING IN-BETWEEN

There were a few more surprises in-store for us. Along with getting to hold their resident Bullfrog, race the Marginated Tortoise and check out their adorable Sugar Gliders, we also got to cuddle a skunk! Pepe the skunk was so friendly and seemed to enjoy human interaction, it was amazing getting the opportunity to cuddle him.

Surprisingly, the Bull Frog wasn't at all slimy.

Lemurs!

Another favourite of mine, the very cute African Pygmy Hedgehog.

Spending the day getting to see, pet and hold many different animal species is a Saturday well spent in my opinion. I'd definitely recommend going to visit the park and seeing these animals for yourself, and helping the staff support their clan of creatures.