Santa himself was spotted at The Australian Reptile Park last week, dropping in early to get in some cuddles with the animals and surprise them with special treats.
He also helped with special tasks around the Park in the lead up to the Christmas Day.
Parking his sleigh outside the park, he made his way inside with his sack full of goodies for all the animals and a job wish list from the keepers which included feeding leaves to Elsa the koala and giving Lizzie the wombat her bottle.
The big man was also brave enough to take on the task of milking a venomous snake as a part of the Reptile Park’s lifesaving antivenom program.
“I love Australian animals so much,” Santa said.
“Australia has all sorts of different and dangerous wildlife.
“I would have spent all day there but I have so much left I need to finish before Christmas.”
Santa said his time at the Australian Reptile Park was his favourite trip so far but he would not let his reindeer anywhere near Elvis the crocodile’s enclosure.
The feisty reptile chased Santa after he delivered his present.
“Mrs Claus would be proud of all the exercise I have done at the Reptile Park today,” Santa said.
Source:
Media release, Dec 19
Australian Reptile Park