Virginia Zoo's Australia Walkabout etc. (from July 16)

As overwhelming as some areas of the Virginia zoo are there small Australian fauna collection is decidedly low key.  Comprise three species: Emu, Grey Kangaroo, and Bennett's Wallaby, the animals share access to the same large habitat.  It's designed to be walked through by visitors with double gated entrances on either end. 

Grey Kangaroo

Hidden in the fig bush, a little Wallaby joey.

 Beyond the Australian Walkabout is a formal rose garden with a gazebo.  No doubt a popular place to stage events like weddings at the zoo.  Events rentals is an important revenue source for many zoological parks.

After touring the garden I walked through the little area of North American fauna habitats.  Basically none of the three species of animals was present, so on to the Zoo Farm and lunch at the newly renovated outdoor cafe, the Beastro.