Exotic Animals in Snow

 You were no longer allowed to hold the lion cubs, but instead we got to experience the first snow of the season at Fuji Safari Park. It was a safari just getting there, half way there we noticed snow next to the road and saw it mostly as an amusement; that was when we had not started to consider the fact that places with "Fuji" in its name could have a tendency to be positioned slightly higher up in altitude than other places with less snow. 

When we passed several cars putting on, and signs saying it is mandatory - snow chains; summer tires did not work anymore and we slid backwards. Turned around, and luckily found a bus tagged "Fuji safari park", the driver had stopped to put on his chains and we jumped on board. A few tons heavier and polar equipped he made it all the way there. 

The safari buses were full, we had to wait an hour and a half, and decided not to. Instead we opted for the guided walking safari, a 2 hours or so walk behind the stage. But before that we took a walk in Animal Village. The Reopard (according to the pamphlet) did not look too happy, not with the snow, not having to be in his cage. But he sure looks pretty against the white backdrop. 

You could buy small bits of monkey candy and feed Pippi Long stocking's Herr Nilsson. It was okay, until there were like 10 of them, then it just disturbing. Seemingly the only trick they have learned was to stretch out their little hands to get a piece of snack. I'm sure they could train them to do much more. 

The wallabies were even more scary, tried to nibble on Mattias' legs, and Hiromi's shoe laces. Big rodents (I'm not sure if they are, but I was not amused).  

Then after a surprisingly tasty spaghetti lunch in a school canteen interior designed restaurant, we set off on the guided tour. If the leopard looked annoyed, the tigers were loving it, running around with tails held high. Apparently, snow and around zero temperatures are the preferred climate for these striped felines. 

Sitting alone in the snow.

The lion ladies were like cats should be, not impressed by the cold. The grouped together on sun flirted patches free of snow. 

Some girls climbed up high to catch the sun, or to avoid the horny male down below. Males cannot climb, at least not if you are a lion. 

They do not climb, the males, and they do not bother coming over to the fence to get treats. Ox-heart to warm a lion's heart. 

Zebra crossing, or what ever it was up to. His friends were eating hay. 

氷柱、icicles hanging from the giraffe tower. The giraffes did not bother to go out today, too cold they said. 

First there were clouds, then it became clear, then after a few hours you could not see the mountain at all, big dark snow clouds covering it. 

The other slope. 

Mattias.

Hiromi.