Creatures

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Lemurs!

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