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Australia Adventure

The Autopsy

Friday, May 29, 2009



OK, First, how gross that I'm even writing about an autopsy!  But the kids loved it!  
Today, we visited Healesville Sanctuary.  Part of the sanctuary is dedicated to the protection and healing of injured animals.  Many animals are shot and killed by farmers that are trying to keep them off of their crops.  And many are hit by traffic and other accidental causes.  

This day, the vet had a kangaroo that was killed several days ago.  The autopsy room has one glass wall so you can watch what is going on.  The kids were invited to either stand behind the glass, or actually join the vet IN the room!  Many kids started off in the room, but only 4 remained in the end.  Duggan was one of them!  (I would have never guessed that he would have stayed till the end!)  

I stayed on the outside... then migrated to the hallway as things progressed.  Autopsies are not my thing!  I already lost my cookies once during this trip and
 I was not about to go for round 2!  
When the vet pulled the kangaroo out of the bag, the kids in the room immediately covered their noses with their hands, shirts, (anything they could grab quickly)... we could almost smell it just by watching their reactions!  The ladies from the sanctuary were standing out in the hall trying to convince me that I would love to watch... ha!  That's funny!  The "cutting" part of the kangaroo was facing away from me... that was a good thing!  So, from my perspective I got a great shot of the kids expressions!  That was enough for me!  

At one point, we heard Duggan and Anson talking about Thanksgiving dinner in the room!  Thanksgiving?!!!  Were they crazy?!  

We also watched a great Birds of Prey show!  (Thank God there were no more post-mortem shows to watch!)

After the sanctuary, we all got back in the bus to catch the last hour of the Queen Victoria Marketplace!  It is the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere!  Shopping!  NOW we're talking!  We shopped our little hearts out in an hour!  Mostly, we were looking for warm clothing!  We didn't plan very well on how cold, and wet, it was in Australia.  Between the kids in our group, we shopped at speeds of up to $40 an hour, with gusts up to $75!  We all got Australia jackets to match!  We'll be wearing them on our next outing!  

It's about time I catch up on some sleep.  We have an early morning tomorrow... breakfast at 5:30 AM.  It's then off to the airport for an early flight to Alice Springs!  We are all looking forward to Ayers Rock, a walk-about and our camel ride!  

G'night!
Mrs. McGuire

 

12 comments:

The Pedwells said...

You know it is only cold down south. Though it will probably be cold at night in Alice Springs.

Good on you Duggan for sticking it out - way to go mate. Sounds like are great trip so far. Enjoy the Outback!

D&W

Abbie said...

Duggan,
I am not surprised you were one of the last in the autopsy room. That's my nephew! I wonder if your mom will like that the liver looked like her cranberry sauce. Have a fun adventure today. We look forward to reading about it.
Love, Aunt Abbie

Anonymous said...

I loved reading about the autopsy. Mrs.McGuire did a great job putting the day into words. I can't wait to read more of your adventures.

Mrs. D said...

What a cool experience! THAT is something that the students will def remember for years to come. Thanks, Mrs. McGuire for the very vivid description! I almost feel like I was there experiencing it with you! Thanks for keeping us updated on your adventure!

Mrs. Cooley said...

I have never given much though to autopsies for animals. What a great experience! However, I feel a little sick to my stomach right now because I think I can smell the kangaroo here in south Mississippi. Awesome photography and text!

Christa said...

Wow, Mrs. McGuire, I don't think I could have stomached an autopsy either. Great job though, Duggan! Have you ever thought about becoming a veterianrian someday?

Enjoy the rest of your adventure, everyone, and thank you so much for keeping us posted! All of us at here at Base Camp are having so much fun following along with you.

Lucas said...

Great Pictures about the kids.
Almost can smell it here in Belgium.
Up to the next adventure.

Macy said...

way to go Duggan! Haha- I don't even know if I could do that... I'd probably wait on the OTHER side of the glass- that eliminates the smell issue ;) anyways- i hope your having fun!

Dorothy Burt said...

Sounds like you people are having some awesome experiences. Hope you have a great time at Ayers Rock - you sure are packing a lot of adventures into a very short space of time!

David Bridges said...

Those birds looked amazing.....and as for the donut truck!

KC said...

WOW is all I can say. You crack me up because you use the word "gross" often~I love it! I am a shopping kind of girl myself.

Thank you for the fabulous updates and for taking such good care of our "precious cargo."

Vickie Craig

lasa54 said...

stop eating candy the Mc.guire you wont lose your cookei

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