We had our son and daughter in law come and stay with us on the IOW for a couple of days, and one of the places they wanted to visit was the IOW Zoo in Sandown. It is only a small zoo but they take on rescue Tigers and Lions, and it was interesting to read about the work done and the Tigers and Lions that are now in their care, that have been rescued from atrocious conditions in Europe. To know that animals are still being kept in these terrible conditions for circuses in Europe is disgusting and something really needs to be done about it.
Sadly I didn't manage to capture many pictures on film of the Tigers or Lions as most were sleeping and the bars made it difficult. This lovely Tiger was in a terrible state when he arrived. His claws had been removed, and he was lame, like many of them who had damage to their legs. It is quite heartbreaking. Some of the Lions had been neutered by the circus at a very young age and had thus not grown a mane, so looked very much like a lioness. To read the sort of life they had led before coming to the zoo was quite heartbreaking.
I took a few photos of some of the other animals but not many.
Look at the bliss on this goats face as he soaks up the sunshine!
Cheeky Meerkats.
There were a few swallows darting around and I managed to take a photo of one while it sat for a few seconds on the wire.
We then went and had lunch at Castlehaven Beach Hut Cafe which was delicious!
Gorgeous views from this peaceful spot.
A walk back along to St Catherine's Lighthouse and then back up the hill.
The next day they had to leave early so that my son's wife could go to work in the afternoon. It was lovely to have them stay a couple of days, and the evening before they left we had an enjoyable evening at the lovely pub in Shorwell. There is a stream beside the pub with trout (?) and ducks which you can feed, and my DIL really enjoyed that.
My husband and I decided to visit St Helens and Priory Bay as we were recommended Priory Bay by some people we met on the IOW. We were not disappointed. We ended up walking right round to Seaview and had a lovely day.
Beautiful beaches, almost had a NZ look about them.
Footsteps in the sand.
A lovely long walk there and back finished off with a nice cuppa at the Cafe in St Helen's.
My first thought when I saw the first beach photo was that it looked just like Northland and then I read your comment.
ReplyDeleteThat was what struck me with several of the beaches we went to, especially Priory Bay. I think that is why I like it down there so much. If I can't live in NZ, then this would be the next best thing!
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