The flyers posted around RMIT University prior to this event, advertising ‘Twilight PICNIC at Melbourne Zoo’ didn’t quite ring true on this mildly wet and gloomy day.

The day started off with doubts about the weather holding up. There were even preliminary thoughts about calling the event off and perhaps going for a movie instead – something that will surely keep us out of the wind and rain. But as confident GK committee members, we were determined to see the day through. Besides, if we were to do anything on a wet day like today, it may as well be walking around the zoo looking at weird and exotic animals in their mock natural habitats.

First stop, the Giant Tortoises. Apparently, they can live up to 300 years, but with their i-n-c-r-e-d-i-b-l-y slow maneuvering abilities, which consequently twist their perception of time; well NO WONDER they can live that long.

Following these creatures, we followed the winding paths to the Reptile Enclosure; much to the objection of RMIT Chapter President, Lidya. There were all sorts of fascinating species; from geckos to hibernating African snakes and even a funny purple looking creature which is supposed to be some sort of dragon (obviously a member of the Saurian-lizard family).

Under the appalling conditions, we still ventured forth and visited other areas of the zoo where there were buffalos, bisons, tapirs and the infamous Australian animal – the koala. Unfortunately, due to the weather, the three that we were lucky enough to see were resting peacefully in their tree tops – no doubt thinking about a better place to nap.

Damp and hungry, we rested at the Lakeside Bistro for lunch. This gave us the perfect opportunity to dry up. There was also plenty of time to get to know one another and also catch up with forthcoming social GK events.

Upon realizing that we hadn’t even seen half of theanimals at the zoo, we continued on. We went

to the butterfly house and saw all the different species feeding on different colored feeding trays, saw red cheeked gibbons doing laps around its cage, otters, mandrills, saw a pygmy hippopotamus rolling around on the bottom of the water bed, giraffes, lions, tigers, penguins, meerkats and for a brief moment, even orangutans, which conveniently went into hiding as soon as we approached - obviously camera shy. We were also lucky enough to see tree kangaroos, manned wolves, monkeys and baboons. Just as well because Jasmine now has an extraordinary fascination for ‘red monkey butts’.

By about 4pm, most of the people in the group had called it a day. By about that time, we were exhausted and just wanted to sleep – but the lure of the Twilights Festival – featuring legends of 60’s rock, Johnny Young, Normie Rowe, Marcie Jones and Buddy England was far too great.

It was at 5.30pm when we decided to make our way to the bandstand area to secure a ‘spot’ for a 6.30pm start. It was an amazing sight! We didn’t expect to see such a big turn out. Families, couples and business groups came prepared with picnic blankets, food and wine, portable chairs and even portable tables.

The atmosphere was fantastic as the sun started to set. Even though the weather threatened to rain, it did nothing to dampen the spirits of these folks because they were really ‘rockin’ the joint’ with their stylish 60’s dancing.

This was indeed an awesome event organized by Jasmine Bojadzieva (Social Chairperson). Even though the Twilight Picnic couldn’t be organized on the day, the whole atmosphere of the night, with people singing and dancing and just genuinely having a good time made up for it. This is one event that we would definitely think about doing again. So Jasmine, start organizing!

Elizabeth LE

"NEWSLETTER" EDITOR

Golden Key - RMIT Chapter