A Day at the Zoo!

So when I went to Twycross Zoo today, I didn't expect the first exotic creature I would encounter would in fact be a pigeon... but I think the Victoria Crowned Pigeon (pictured above) is a worthy representative to its name!

I am very interested in environment and conservation, but that originally stems from a love of animals - so it was an absolute treat to visit the zoo today, especially one that seems to be very active in conservation and research! I was actually there (technically) on a research basis, on a field trip to study the higher cognitive functions of apes and the behaviours that may be representative of these functions (think tool use, planning behaviour, etc.). But really everyone just had a whole lot of fun!

It started out looking like quite a miserable day, but once it stopped raining it actually turned into one of those beautifully moody overcast days, that really got me in the mood for autumn (as if I wasn't already!!).

I also saw a few more handsome faces...

... and an inquisitive little bundle:

I felt pretty proud as well... I sat next to a stranger on the coach who actually turned out to be a really lovely girl, and we had a great conversation the whole way there! I always feel so awkward in unclear social situations, but it's important to remember that the awkwardness is only in your own mind. On the way back, she actually came over to sit with me again, so I can't have been that bad! I also got to know the only person I did know a bit better, and her friend, and I feel quite good about getting to know them more.

Unfortunately, due to the inclement weather, I didn't really get to see any of the big cats (my favourite!!), however I did get a close up view of this pensive fella:

See, I did do some field work!! I am currently listening to the addictive 'Unloved' pieces from the recent 'Killing Eve' series; they are my favourite thing to listen to when I do my make-up - or write my blog posts, I would thoroughly recommend trying them out!