THERE was a warm welcome for Santa Claus. Perhaps a trifle too warm for someone wearing a big, thick red suit and acclimatised to the North Pole.
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Nevertheless, Father Christmas ditched Donner, Blitzen and co for six white boomers at the Ballarat Wildlife Park on Sunday afternoon.
The big guy put on a brave face.
"Yes, it is a little on the warm side, isn't it?" Santa said.
"Ho! Ho! Ho!" he added cheekily.
There were treats for the kids and for the odd kangaroo or wallaby as well. There may even have been the odd gum drop or two for the koalas.
But not so much for the emus. Perhaps they were in Santa's naughty column this year.
Finn and Sinead Houlihan took time out from checking out the goannas and crocs to chat with Santa. Evidently they had been in the nice column.
Mr Claus did not stay long. There is still, after all, a lot of work to do before Christmas eve and just three more days to go.