We love the Living Desert. One-third of the 1200 acres are dedicated to preserving the desert ecosystem and it includes a series of trails. We headed out this morning to walk the one mile trail but as always got stopped by the various creatures housed on the way
Our first stop was the pygmy mongoose who is about the most beautiful little red-eyed creature you can imagine. There are about ten in this family and they spend their time rolling around each other and digging madly. This little guy cooperated by sitting in the sun for all to admire.
Next stop is my favourite. I just can't get enough of the Naked Mole Rats! They are housed in a series of glass-fronted holes and tunnels. They are neither moles nor rats - most closely related to guinea pigs and much more pleasing to the eye! I mean how can you resist their toothy faces, wrinkled bald bodies and tiny little eyes! They live like insects with a queen and all her babies - up to 1000 - all hers. She rules and can live 20 years, keeping all competition in their place serving as chambermaids and diggers. Our camera was set at black and white but I'll get one of their pink little bodies next time!
And then there are the warthogs. I think of The Lion King whenever I watch one trotting across the pen but for the most part, they line up like sausages and let out snoring, grunting sounds as they dream of the trouble they hope to get in later.
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