by Effective Living Centre Circle (Circle 111)
The much-anticipated bus trip to Monarto Safari Park was held on 1st October. It had been a wet week, but we were lucky to get by with just a few showers of rain. The day began with an early start as we all boarded the bus at 8.45am. There were 56 of us travelling and the children enjoyed the games that Young Mercy Links members had organised. Our amazing bus driver, Chuck, drove us to Monarto. We began the day’s adventure with great excitement with a walk to see the Lions. We then shared a lunch together and, as always, there was a lovely array of foods from various cultures to enjoy. Lunch was followed by a walk to see the chimpanzees and the meerkats.
A guide from Monarto joined us on our bus and directed Chuck, our driver to take us around the park to see the larger Safari animals. We saw giraffes and rhinos, kangaroos and emus and the new elephants, Burma and Permai. The guide also informed us of the plans for expansion of the zoo in the future and of the several new elephants arriving soon.
One of our families has commented what a special event this was to go to Monarto Zoo. The youngest child said, “Seeing the animals, particularly giraffes, and the lions. The lions looked very healthy. I liked the hyena chasing the bus! I liked the cheetahs as I tried to spot them hiding in the bushes. I also like seeking the emus and trying to see the animals from a long distance.” His sister said, “I liked the activities while we were on the bus going to Monarto.” The mother liked the fact that there were so many people from different cultures on the bus and going to the Zoo together. “This is very good” she said, “because it brings people together who do not have family in Australia.” She went on to say, “Mercy Links SA young people were really great in coming with us and participating in the activities that were planned with our children. They were mindful and very helpful and supportive of us.”
It was a tired group that travelled back to Adelaide after experiencing an adventure that was made possible with the aid of a grant and planning and support by Gaby Kinsman, Meredith Evans and Mercy Links.