Meet Ruby the kangaroo. (Our nickname: Kanga-ruby!) She’s one of the many exotic animals you can meet up close and personal at the San Diego Safari Park’s “Animal Encounters.” We met Ruby when we spent a delightful day exploring the park. Ruby was the first animal we encountered after the gorgeous parrots that greet everyone near the entrance. Ruby was friendly with her keepers but she kept her distance from the spectators. She didn’t perform tricks or anything that isn’t a natural behavior for a kangaroo. She did however hop along at her keeper’s direction and received treats continuously for doing so.
I asked about the harness she was wearing. We all know it’s not a natural piece of attire for a lady kangaroo, although it didn’t seem to bother Ruby one bit. Her keepers explained it took months to train Ruby to wear it. It was a slow process that started with her just sniffing the harness as she slowly became used to it being around. Eventually, she tried it on … with help from her keepers of course. I suppose for Ruby, wearing the harness is special because she knows she gets to hop about AND get special treats!
We took over a 100 digital photos at the Safari Park, but these few photos of sweet Ruby just melt my heart. Perhaps it’s because she doesn’t seem to give a hoot about her little belly poking out in her profile. I wish I had her confidence!
Nikon D90 with 18-55mm Nikkor Lens
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
I loved the SC Zoo Safari Park when I was there last year. The animal encounters are fun!
Kelly Hutchinson says
I would love to have the chance to see a real kangaroo up close and personal! This would be a fun place to take the family.
amber Edwards says
I would love to be able to see a Kangaroo up close! That would be so much fun!
Pam says
How cool to get that close to a kangaroo. Ruby looks like a sweetie.
Donna says
Awww, Ruby is adorable. I would have fallen in love with her too.
Daisy says
Awe, what a cutie! I’ve never been that close to a kangaroo. What an amazing experience!
Jeanette says
We are planning a trip California and I am going to add this to the hit list! I love places where you can see and touch the animals. People care for stuff more when they have a personal connection!
Felicita says
Omg Ruby is adorable! I hope to one day make it to San Diego! I love the zoo
Mama to 5 BLessings says
Oh my goodness, how cute is this! I want one, these animals always fascinated me!
Allie D. says
Ruby the Kangaroo is so cute!! Totally need to go to San Diego Safari Park next time we’re in California.
Liz Mays says
I’ve never really been able to see a kangaroo up close. They are amazing animals!
Chelley @ AisForAdelaide says
I love her! We just went to the SD Zoo last summer! I wish we’d been able to meet Ruby!
Kailani says
SO cute! I went to a kangaroo park in Brisbane once but they were all so sleepy. LOL
Sabrina @ Dinner, then Dessert says
Kangaroos are one of my daughter’s favorite animals! She loves to hop hop hop like a kangaroo!
Tonya says
So cute! I would love to see a kangaroo up close and in person.