While Santa’s little helpers back at the North Pole are kept busy building toys and wrapping presents for the big day, Santa has flown across the world to take on a different role – becoming a zookeeper.
With his jolly spirit and love for all animals, Santa has become the newest recruit at the Australian Reptile Park, helping with special tasks around the park in the lead-up to Christmas Day.
Parking his sleigh outside the park, he made his way inside with his resume.
Knowing he is a hard worker, there was no hesitation with giving Santa the job, and with a brief change into the Australian Reptile Park’s zookeeper shirt, he grabbed the job list and got stuck right into his work.
From preparing food for the animals to feeding the adorable Wilbur the wombat, Santa’s love for the job was clear.
Along with treating the park’s friendly kangaroos to sweet potato and surprising the koalas with a thoughtful gift – a fresh bundle of eucalyptus leaves – Santa found himself facing less festive tasks.
Raking the animal yards, mowing the lawn, and handling the less glamorous responsibility of cleaning-up after Hugo were not exactly on Santa’s list of jolly activities.
Not one to shy away from a challenge, Santa fearlessly embraced the dangerous task of feeding the park’s crankiest crocodile, Elvis, and was even brave enough to take on the task of milking snakes as 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 I need to finish before Christmas.”
After a full day of hard work and spending time with the animals, it was time for Santa to bid farewell to the Australian Reptile Park, but not without sneaking a few carrots into his pockets to give to his nine reindeer.
He said he would be back in Australia on Christmas Eve and is so excited to bring gifts to everyone in Australia.
Beautiful news!! Good on you, Santa! xxx