Most memorable animal encounters from 30 seasons of Getaway
There is something truly special about catching a glimpse of an animal in the wild, and even more magical to swim with a creature rarely encountered in our daily lives.
Getaway has been bringing these moving, entertaining and sometimes hilarious animal interactions to our TV screens for 30 seasons. From Catriona Rowntree's awe-inspiring butterfly experience to Lauren Phillips' awkward swim with crocodiles, here is a look back at our favourite creature moments.
Stream the latest Getaway episodes for free on 9Now.
David Reyne witnessed Japanese macaques' (or snow monkeys') human-like behaviour up close when he visited the Jigokudani Monkey Park in 2002. He admitted they seemed friendly, but was advised not to "look them directly in the eye, they regard that as a sign of aggression". Fortunately the monkeys remained chill as they enjoyed a dip in the hot springs.
Catriona Rowntree begged Getaway to replay her visit to Mexico to watch the monarch butterfly migration because the experience was so inspiring and "utterly beautiful".
Just as memorable was Catriona's encounters with stingrays, though for a different reason.
Catriona also got a fright holding a python at Bali Safari Park in Indonesia.
Lauren Phillips went swimming with crocodiles and experienced a rather awkward sight.
There was nothing scary about having fish massage Ian 'Dicko' Dickson's feet, instead the experience had him giggling and cringing.
Jules Lund got up close and personal with gorillas in the wilds of Rwanda. "Let me put it this way, at one stage I was standing with my back to the forest and all of a sudden I felt someone pinch my bum! Only to discover a little baby gorilla staring back at me," he said of the experience.
Kelly Landry discovered jellyfish live up to their name when she had the opportunity to swim with them in Palau.
Lochie Daddo experienced excruciating pain when a mud crab bit his thumb during filming in the Northern Territory. The injury resulted in a numb thumb for about three months after the incident. Watch the moment in the top player above.
Lochie Daddo got revenge on the crab by eating it for dinner that night. Nine
