We all have that one friend who is a die-hard adrenaline junkie who loves to discover their next greatest adventure. That friend is me…
This feature is all about uncovering Lake Nona and Orlando’s greatest activities, especially if you enjoy living life on the edge!
I found myself at Busch Gardens Tampa on a beautiful 80-degree day. Andrew and I were roaming the park, enjoying the rides when, all of a sudden, we came across the Kangaroo Sanctuary. I had to maintain my self-control. I’ve been quite obsessed with kangaroos and all things Australia for as long as I can remember … well, most things … minus, like, every deadly creature that resides there and the MASSIVE huntsman spiders. Yeah, those I can live without. … Anyway, back to the ‘roos.
Every time I went to Busch Gardens, I would always miss the Kangaroo Sanctuary’s open times and would be left heartbroken with crushed dreams. Today was the day I’d live out those dreams of seeing a kangaroo up close and personal. Before I could even think, Andrew walked over to the kiosk and came back. He asked me if I wanted to go in and hang out with the kangaroos. I was dumbfounded. … Did he actually just ASK me that? OF COURSE, I WANT TO! But before I could even answer, I think the look of bewilderment on my face gave my thoughts away. He immediately retaliated, saying he knew what my answer would be but just wanted to double check in case I randomly decided to change my mind.
Next thing I know, I’m entering the sanctuary with a green ticket in hand, allowing me direct access to the kangaroos. I felt like I had the golden ticket. I wasn’t sure what to expect. Would they be the six-foot-tall ones? Would I be intimidated if they were? Am I going to be in a boxing match with one? I’m not sure if I cared … I just knew my dreams were about to come true, and I was hoping I wouldn’t get emotional and cry.
I saw the posse of ‘roos and was immediately overwhelmed. There were like 20 of them! I was in kangaroo heaven! As I stepped into the enclosure, I wondered if they’d come hopping over to investigate who the new intruder was. They didn’t. They were all so at peace with sunbathing and sleeping that they barely even noticed my presence. I went up to a beautiful one who caught my attention – I mean, they were all beautiful, but this one particular kangaroo was just stunning. His name was Louis, and I was in love. He was just chilling in the sand, soaking up the vitamin D, and once I got down to his level, I felt a bit uneasy and uncomfortable, like I was meeting someone for the first time because I was, but I wanted Louis to like me. I didn’t know what would happen if he didn’t. I was handed some food – pellets, which were described to me to be similar to what deer ate – and began to feed Louis.
To my surprise, he was very gentle. It reminded me of how a bunny would delicately nibble food offerings from your fingers. I snapped a few selfies with him and gave him a mini photoshoot with portrait mode. I just wanted to lounge with him all day. Next thing I knew, I was out of food. I figured Louis and I had bonded enough over food, a.k.a. peace offerings, so I began to pet him. Although he was a bit dirty from the sand, HE WAS SO SOFT! I honestly would’ve never expected kangaroos to feel that furry. His coat was like straight-up cotton, only softer. I scratched his head, and he enjoyed it. For a brief moment, I thought I was petting a dog and wondered if I should rub his belly, too.
I took note of everything about Louis … his strange-looking legs and insanely long claws (only slightly intimidating, might I add) and how even more strange their tails and bodies were up close. It feels a bit prehistoric watching them hop around after being so used to most creatures walking or flying as a mode of transportation. While I was taking in all of this experience, I almost got robbed by a female kangaroo nearby. She saw my food cup and tried to sneak up on me. I was told she had a joey not too long ago. I was given broccoli and cauliflower to feed her and her joey. Ironically enough, her joey spat out the vegetables. I guess even baby kangaroos don’t like them! I got a kick out of that. I took one last video with Louis and said my goodbyes.
So, there you have it, I was able to cross one more thing off of my bucket list. Although I wasn’t in the actual Outback (one day soon I will travel to the land Down Under), I left my newfound two-legged friend and couldn’t wait to be reunited one day. G’day, mate!
PRO TIP: If you want to sound like an Australian, say “good eye might” to nail that classic greeting.
Have a suggestion? Send an email to nicole@nonahoodnews.com or fill out our NonaVentures column form at nonahood.to/nonaventure. What do you want to see me review next?
