Dreamworld
The Gold Coast
features a number of theme parks, similar to Orlando, Florida, but not
on quite the same scale.
For many years
Kairen has had an ambition to visit Tiger Island in the Dreamworld
theme park.
Dawn over the Gold Coast
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On the way to Dreamworld we
passed through the Gold Coast Hinterland and Tambourine Mountain
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The view from Tambourine
Mountain - Eagle Heights
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We were there for 10.00 as the
park opened.
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The Tower of Terror is the
keynote ride....a 39 storey accelerated drop.
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Kairen gets to Tiger Island!!!
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The Island is an interactive
show featuring 7 tigers, two of which are white. By having
handlers on the island with the animals, they can show a combination
that would normally fight each other. Any stalking is stopped by
quite passive intervention. "the best way to stop them
fighting is to just walk between them before anything
starts".
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This is a life-size model of
Kairen
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The interaction is
fascinating to watch. Each handler has to be 'buddied' for 2
years before he can walk alone on the island. |
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There is a very brief 10 minute
show (only twice a day) that demonstrates key natural behaviours.
The tigers are not trained. This is elevated scent sniffing.
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They started this when one of
the tigers sprang into the air and caught an unsuspecting peacock that
had made the mistake of flying over the island.
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Tigers are one of the few cats
who like water
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They sleep most of the day
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There were other rides too!!!
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We had to go back for the
afternoon show.....
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This tiger is taking most of his
own weight on his hind legs.
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Big teeth!!!
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We couldn't be bothered going
out for a meal so had a great picnic in our room.
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