Encounter 1/36

@ Standing Lion
Rufus has been looking forward to meeting the huge variety of other animals on this Summer Safari. What a treat to find Hipster here, too!
Standing Lion
This lion may be standing alertly looking at you as you drift by on Crocodile Creek, but don't let him scare you! He's actually glad to see you - not as his lunch, but hoping you'll join him for lunch! Pets have a hard time getting close to him, so he's very desirous of having a good friend!

Encounter 2/36

@ Intense Tiger
“You never know what sort of critter to expect next, do you, Pony Pony?" whispered Rufus. “You know, small, cute and furry or really quite, um, large, with—er—very sharp teeth.” Pony Pony reassured Rufus that all the critters were looking forward to meeting them, regardless of size, furriness, cuteness and/or type of teeth.
Intense Tiger
This tiger is very protective of all of the pets that live along, or in, Crocodile Creek - hence his intense look as he asks you what your intent is for being in the area. Just answer his questions without getting sassy, and you'll be permitted to continue your journey into the land of "Croc Creek", as the locals call it.

Encounter 3/36

@ Look-Out Cheetah
Rufus and Sarah shook paws and said “How do you do?” to the next creature who had come to meet them, and posed for a souvenir photo. “Why am I always on the left?” grumbled Rufus. “Let’s change sides.” “No,” said Sarah. “This side shows my best side.”
Look-Out Cheetah
The land of Crocodile Creek is so special to its year-round and seasonal residents, and so welcoming to those who have heard about it and are curious, that cheetahs are posted at all of its entrances to spot newcomers. Because of their sense of sight, smell and speed, they are the best equipped pets to spot guests coming from a distance, and be able to run and tell the residents of "Croc Creek" that they have company coming.

Encounter 4/36

@ Lounging Oryx
Rufus and Twiggy got so engrossed in the conversation they were having with their fascinating new friend that they had to hurry along so as not to be left behind! They regretfully bade farewell to their new chum and promised to visit again!
Lounging Oryx
Crocodile Creek is the perfect place to relax from one's journey. This oryx, part of the antelope family, is able to enjoy a break from walking, which isn't an easy task due to its long, spear-like horns. These may be made up of the same stuff as human fingernails (keratin), but at 3-feet long each, they can be quite a load!

Encounter 5/36

@ Ruminating Rhinos
Rufus and Tressla shook paws and said “How do you do?” to the next creature who had come to meet them, and posed for a souvenir photo. “Why am I always on the left?” grumbled Rufus. “Let’s change sides.” “No,” said Tressla. “This side shows my best side.”
Ruminating Rhinos
Crocodile Creek's rhinos, while made to feel a part of the "Croc Creek Community", tend to feel that some of the pets are a bit stand-offish. They aren't sure if their pointy horns or their stout appearance makes some of their neighbors nervous, but they really are kindhearted and eager to be friends.

Encounter 6/36

@ Elephant Quarter
Rufus and Smithy agreed that the variety of environments on their expedition was the best ever! Rufus and Smithy exchanged opinions on which their favourite terrain had been so far, and which was the most interesting creature they had met in their travels!
Elephant Quarter
Need help remembering the difference between an African elephant and an Indian elephant? An African elephant's ears are, rather helpfully, the shape of Africa.
Elephants can make calls that are so low in pitch, they are below the range of human hearing. These amazing animals can recognise over 100 different friends from their calls alone.

Encounter 7/36

@ Brown Bear River
“I could stay here forever, Rufus,” said Quokka Quolla. “This is an amazing place!” “Well, you never know what lies ahead, Quokka Quolla. I wouldn't be surprised if the next stop is even better!” said Rufus.
Brown Bear River
Have we surprised this brown bear taking an early morning bath or is he keeping very still in the water in the hopes of catching an unwary fish?

Encounter 8/36

@ Dazzle of Zebra
Rufus and Tigger shook paws and said “How do you do?” to the next creature who had come to meet them, and posed for a souvenir photo. “Why am I always on the left?” grumbled Rufus. “Let’s change sides.” “No,” said Tigger. “This side shows my best side.”
Dazzle of Zebra
Did you know the collective name for a group of zebra is a "dazzle"? Also, “motion dazzle” is an optical illusion that occurs when groups of zebra move quickly together. Would you say that zebras are white animals with black stripes? It has been determined that they are actually black animals with white stripes!

Encounter 9/36

@ Loving Lemur
Rufus and Astrid were entranced at reaching this stopping place and eagerly posed for a picture standing on either side of the attractive creature they had just met!
Loving Lemur
While those outside of Crocodile Creek think of lemurs as being ghosts or spirits due to their big round eyes and black & white coloring, they really are "furballs of fun" according to the local residents. While they spend lots of their time in the trees in groups called "troops", they don't use their tails to frolic like their cousins do, but mainly their hands and feet.

Encounter 10/36

@ Gazing Giraffe
While Rufus paused to drink in the view, jejustar started scrabbling in her rucksack for her portable, foldable camping chair. “What are you doing with that, jejustar?” asked Rufus. “We’ll need to get going in a minute or we’ll be left behind!”
Gazing Giraffe
As you float along Crocodile Creek, or venture onto its shores, you may see not just the branches of trees over your head, but you might find yourself gazing into the eyes of this giraffe. Because of their long necks, "Croc Creek's" giraffes help to keep a watchful eye over the land, especially over the neighborhoods that have settled in the tree tops.

Encounter 11/36

@ Colorful Macaw
Rufus and Archie agreed that the variety of environments on their expedition was the best ever! Rufus and Archie exchanged opinions on which their favourite terrain had been so far, and which was the most interesting creature they had met in their travels!
Colorful Macaw
Whenever residents of Crocodile Creek need to do some paining for their homes or businesses, they seek out the macaws who run the area's paint shop. Whether paining a room indoors or needing to add a new coat of color outdoors, the macaw's feathers will help you decide which color to choose!

Encounter 12/36

@ Hyper Hippopotamus
“What have you got in your tote bag, Batty?” asked Rufus. “It looks very full!” “I’ve come prepared for anything, Rufus,” responded Batty. “There’s deck shoes, snowshoes, tennis shoes, flip-flops, flippers, walking boots, Wellington boots—you name it, I’ve got it!”
Hyper Hippopotamus
This very large resident of Crocodile Creek may look very calm, but underneath this hippo's hide is a tummy doing flip-flops from the excitement of having new pets moving into her end of the neighborhood. She stays under the water quite often, but her nerves have been known to get the better of her, causing her to come up abruptly, oftentimes under boats bringing new neighbors.

Encounter 13/36

@ Duckling Nook
“What have you got in your tote bag, merlin?” asked Rufus. “It looks very full!” “I’ve come prepared for anything, Rufus,” responded merlin. “There’s deck shoes, snowshoes, tennis shoes, flip-flops, flippers, walking boots, Wellington boots—you name it, I’ve got it!”
Duckling Nook
Ducklings spend only a short time in the nest—a matter of some hours—before they leave to follow their mother out onto the water. They can recognise their mother's calling sounds from other ducks' in their first days after hatching. They can feed themselves when they reach the water, but they need to learn what is edible by observing their mother.

Encounter 14/36

@ Perched Heron
Rufus opened his rucksack to change his hat. Iolanthe could see Rufus had a large, floppy sunhat, a balaclava, a rain hat, a woolly bobble hat, a beanie, a deerstalker hat and a swimming cap! “Did you bring a fez too?” Iolanthe asked Rufus.
Perched Heron
In the land of Crocodile Creek, herons make up some of the "creek patrol". Their long legs allow for them to stride into the deeper waters of the creek to rescue any pets who aren't the best swimmers; while their wide wingspan allows them to glide along the water's surface quickly and gracefully. Many of the residents enjoy watching them majestically fly overhead and will startle them just so they'll take off into the air!

Encounter 15/36

@ Tranquil Swan Scene
“What an amazing creature!” exclaimed Rufus. Elodie Vivia ♡ agreed with Rufus. “I’m seeing so many animals, birds and insects that I’ve never seen before!”
Tranquil Swan Scene
A graceful mute swan glides down the river with its almost perfect reflection in the water showing the peace of this scene.

Encounter 16/36

@ Frolicking Frog
Both purple and Rufus love the scenery at the next stop, and they both enjoy introducing themselves to their new friend, who has been waiting to meet them!
Frolicking Frog
While perfectly at home in the waters of Crocodile Creek, this frog and his friends have been known to venture onshore after a heavy rainfall in order to hop, jump and investigate what many of the on-lander pets do during the day.

Encounter 17/36

@ Great Tit River Nook
Rufus and Astrid agreed that the variety of environments on their expedition was the best ever! Rufus and Astrid exchanged opinions on which their favourite terrain had been so far, and which was the most interesting creature they had met in their travels!
Great Tit River Nook
Great Tits are known for their intelligence; scientists were amazed to discover the Great Tit habit of solving problems through insight rather than by trial and error. A great example of this in practice was in England in 1921. In those days almost everyone had very early morning milk deliveries to their doorsteps in one pint glass bottles covered with a foil cap. It was noted that Great Tits had successfully learnt to take off the foil lids to obtain the cream from the top of the milk. They’ve even been known to use pine needles as tools for extracting larvae from holes in trees.

Encounter 18/36

@ Fancying Fox
“Shall we take a selfie?” Rufus asked Delilah as they drank in the scenery and admired their new friend next to them.
Fancying Fox
There are places along Crocodile Creek that are small, still pools of water, perfect for stopping by to use like a mirror for fixing fluffed-up feathers or frizzy fur. However, because of the peace and calm of the area, some pets have been known to linger longer than usual, staring into the waters, and daydreaming of what they could be in their community.

Encounter 19/36

@ Migrating Mandarin Duck
Rufus is enjoying the view when Sassy comes along. "Look! A special prize!" says Sassy. Rufus looks down and sees something valuable. Well Rufus WAS here first ...
Migrating Mandarin Duck
This duck came all the way from China after hearing about the calm, cool waters and great shore lines of Crocodile Creek. He brought some "color" to his neck of the creek, not to mention a knack for some great Chinese cuisine that his neighbors are often invited over to enjoy!

Encounter 20/36

@ Settled Sheep
“You never know what sort of critter to expect next, do you, Velveteen?" whispered Rufus. “You know, small, cute and furry or really quite, um, large, with—er—very sharp teeth.” Velveteen reassured Rufus that all the critters were looking forward to meeting them, regardless of size, furriness, cuteness and/or type of teeth.
Settled Sheep
Along the banks of Crocodile Creek, where the waters are still, behind a line of trees, lies a hillside of green pastures. Sheep have made this their home as it is perfectly located away from some of the hustle and bustle of the creek, especially during tourist season.

Encounter 21/36

@ Reflective Horse
Rufus was excited to meet up again with Whymsical Mysti. They both took a moment to admire the amazing scene around them.
Reflective Horse
Not far from the waters of Crocodile Creek, to the west of the hillside that "Croc Creek's" sheep residents have found, lays another wooded area perfect for horses. On a warm summer morning, a mist rises from the creek and wafts its way to this peaceful place where horses reside. This provides the perfect solace for these four-hoofed residents after being in town working hard at delivering mail, supplies and providing transportation of all sorts.

Encounter 22/36

@ Sheep Meadow
Rufus and Lady Jane got so engrossed in the conversation they were having with their fascinating new friend that they had to hurry along so as not to be left behind! They regretfully bade farewell to their new chum and promised to visit again!
Sheep Meadow
Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison all raised sheep. Madison was sworn in wearing a coat spun from his own sheep’s wool. Woodrow Wilson kept a flock at the White House during World War I to keep the grass trimmed as a cost-cutting measure and to show support for the war effort.

Encounter 23/36

@ Unsure Black Stork
Scaredy Cat was distracted by the sounds of loud rustling as Rufus unfolded a very large tourist map, in the course of which he succeeded in knocking Scaredy Cat’s hat off. “Put that away, do!” snapped Scaredy Cat. “We’re about to pose with this amazing creature—the picture will be of your map if you don’t fold it up pronto!”
Unsure Black Stork
While other waterfowl tend to dive in head-first in becoming residents of Crocodile Creek, this black stork isn't so sure he wants to jump in with both feet! So many questions are on his mind: what's under the surface here? how close is the shore? can the water be made warmer? will there be enough food? An afternoon with one of the locals will help calm him so that he can plant both feet on the ground, er, in the water.

Encounter 24/36

@ Bold Blue Crane
“Ooh, that’s a scary looking creature!” whispered Archie. “It’s bigger than me! I’ll stay here and wait for you to come back.” “C’mon, Archie, it’ll be fine—it’s not so very big; it's a trick of perspective, and anyway, it’s looking forward to meeting us!” said Rufus.
Bold Blue Crane
While the black crane is unsure of his situation, his cousin, a blue crane, who goes by "Stanley", is regarded by many in Crocodile Creek as a "warrior", and is the first one to be called upon if there's any trouble. Finding one of his feathers is considered by the residents of "Croc Creek" as a prize of empowerment when facing each day.

Encounter 25/36

@ Friendly Capybara
“You never know what sort of critter to expect next, do you, Frank?" whispered Rufus. “You know, small, cute and furry or really quite, um, large, with—er—very sharp teeth.” Frank reassured Rufus that all the critters were looking forward to meeting them, regardless of size, furriness, cuteness and/or type of teeth.
Friendly Capybara
One of Crocodile Creek's year-round residents happens to be the world's largest "rodents", often measuring in at 4-feet long and weighing 100 pounds. Capybaras may have a "rodent" reputation, and be imposing in its size, but they are really quite friendly, they just need some extra TLC. They will befriend every other pet in the neighborhood and they thoroughly enjoy cuddling.

Encounter 26/36

@ Trapeze-less Tamarin
“Ooh, that’s a scary looking creature!” whispered TenderTeddy. “It’s bigger than me! I’ll stay here and wait for you to come back.” “C’mon, TenderTeddy, it’ll be fine—it’s not so very big; it's a trick of perspective, and anyway, it’s looking forward to meeting us!” said Rufus.
Trapeze-less Tamarin
These squirrel-size little fur-balls love leaping from tree to tree along Crocodile Creek. Rather than doing so from branch to branch, this little one will leap from trunk to trunk due to the fact that it doesn't get into manicures, thus its nails can securely grip the trees vertically! Their ability to traverse through trees so quickly makes them excellent messengers of important announcements for the "Croc Community".

Encounter 27/36

@ Otter Hideaway
Rufus and Tornado agreed that the variety of environments on their expedition was the best ever! Rufus and Tornado exchanged opinions on which their favourite terrain had been so far, and which was the most interesting creature they had met in their travels!
Otter Hideaway
Don't challenge an otter to a holding-your-breath competition — an otter can stay underwater for several minutes!
Otters like to stick together, and when they sleep they wrap themselves in seaweed and float together in a group. A group of resting otters is called a "raft".

Encounter 28/36

@ Buffalo Marsh
Rufus and Uni got so engrossed in the conversation they were having with their fascinating new friend that they had to hurry along so as not to be left behind! They regretfully bade farewell to their new chum and promised to visit again!
Buffalo Marsh
The water buffalo is the world's largest bovine! Males, or bulls, can weigh in at 2,650 lbs (1200 kg) with a height of 6 ft (1.82 m) (not including their horns!) And you may not believe it to look at them, but they can run as fast as 30 mph (48 kph).

Encounter 29/36

@ Wild Horse Pasture
Rufus and NUTTER had shaken paws and were now introducing themselves to the next critter who had come to meet them on this leg of the quest, who was eager to make friends and to show off a carefully tidied natural habitat!
Wild Horse Pasture
Did you know that horses can sleep both lying down and standing up? They have a lifespan of around 25 years but the oldest horse on record in the 1800s was called ‘Old Billy’ is said to have lived 62 years!

Encounter 30/36

@ Ape Advisor
"Wasn’t it worth coming all this way, Rufus," said Garth, "for this experience alone?" Rufus, admiring the creature at the centre of the scene they were now in, heartily agreed!
Ape Advisor
Ape Advisor - As long-time residents of Crocodile Creek, apes have been known to be some of the wisest members of the community. But every once in a while, especially from those passing through, they get asked a "puzzler"!

Encounter 31/36

@ Kingfisher Corner
While Rufus paused to drink in the view, Drozan started scrabbling in his rucksack for his portable, foldable camping chair. “What are you doing with that, Drozan?” asked Rufus. “We’ll need to get going in a minute or we’ll be left behind!”
Kingfisher Corner
Kingfishers fly low and straight like bullets, reaching up to 25 mph (40 kph) but it’s not their speed that is the most interesting; it’s their beaks. Sharp, pointed, and so long that it makes up a third of a kingfisher’s height, the beak slices soundlessly through water meaning kingfishers can dive into pools without alerting fish. Engineers working on Japan’s high-speed bullet train copied the shape of this beak to prevent sonic boom whenever these fast-moving trains enter a tunnel.

Encounter 32/36

@ Migrating Canada Goose
Rufus and Silk had shaken paws and were now introducing themselves to the next critter who had come to meet them on this leg of the quest, who was eager to make friends and to show off a carefully tidied natural habitat!
Migrating Canada Goose
One of the seasonal residents of Crocodile Creek is the Canada goose. These feathery fowl are very particular about who they are - do not call them "Canadian" geese! Their annual arrival to the shores and waters of "Croc Creek" escapes no one as the constant honking and frequent traffic jams in the waterways are patiently endured for the sake of community.

Encounter 33/36

@ A Flamboyance of Flamingos
“You never know what sort of critter to expect next, do you, Donna?" whispered Rufus. “You know, small, cute and furry or really quite, um, large, with—er—very sharp teeth.” Donna reassured Rufus that all the critters were looking forward to meeting them, regardless of size, furriness, cuteness and/or type of teeth.
A Flamboyance of Flamingos
Did you know the collective name for these gorgeous creatures is a "flamboyance" of flamingos? How very fitting!

Encounter 34/36

@ Roadside Camels
Rufus and Redington were entranced at reaching this stopping place and eagerly posed for a picture standing on either side of the attractive creature they had just met!
Roadside Camels
Due to the vast arid lands in which Crocodile Creek acts as an oasis, the residents of "Croc Creek" thought it best to guide many of the tourists and newly arriving residents through the hot sands with the help of camels. These guys can help weary travelers get off of their feet for a bit, as well as lighten their loads, thus making the final leg of their journeys easier and their arrivals more welcoming.

Encounter 35/36

@ Floating Crocodile
Rufus is enjoying the view when Lady Jane comes along. "Look! A special prize!" says Lady Jane. Rufus looks down and sees something valuable. Well Rufus WAS here first ...
Floating Crocodile
The crocodiles of Crocodile Creek, the pets who've lived in the area the longest, never intended for their waterway or the surrounding land to be named after them. They have always been content to just be calm and cool in the waters they enjoy so much. When other pets stumbled across the area and found the waters refreshing and the land inviting, the crocodiles realized they couldn't keep the area all to themselves and so have been welcoming new neighbors and curious travelers ever since.

Encounter 36/36

@ Crocodile Creek x
Rufus has had a wonderful day, and has met lots of animals for the very first time, but now it is time for Rufus to go back to your page and relax.
Crocodile Creek x
On this part of the quest, your pet will take a boat trip along a rambling river, each twist and turn revealing a variety of wildlife on the banks either side, or on the river itself. These creatures range from the exotic or endangered to familiar birds and animals you might see in your back garden or local countryside, but there are a few that some pets or humans might find a little scary—'ware the crocodile!
Rufus has completed the quest! Please select another pet as visitor, so it can take part in the Summer Safari!