We visited the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary last month, and it was definitely a day we will never forget! It is a park approx 20 minutes from our new home, where people are encouraged to interact with the animals in order to learn and understand them. And you really do INTERACT with them.
I had heard rumours about being able to “cuddle a koala”, but I thought, “Really, who’s going to let people cuddle this apparently vicious beast?” Well, the koalas we met are quite docile and seemed quite content to be passed from person to person. That said, you could tell that the handlers were very protective of their charges and were quick with warnings and handling instructions. We lined up in a queue for about ten minutes, and let The Boy do the honours first. He was so careful with Kakadee the Koala and so proud to be holding him (as you can tell from the picture!).
Next, The Girl got to hug Kakadee. Because she is too little yet to hold him, she had to settle for a hug, but she didn’t seem to mind too much.
Daddy and Mommy each got a turn as well, but because we hadn’t had a paid picture taken of us, we were not allowed to take pictures ourselves – realistically, no one at home is clamoring for pictures of us. ;) Kakadee was quite heavy, and very furry. He fur was coarse, almost like a soft broom and very thick. It’s kind of funny to think of an animal needing such thick fur in such a warm climate.
After hanging with Kakadee and friends, we wandered the sanctuary for a while. We saw the retirement home, where we agreed that the grandmas, nanas, papas etc could live when the visit! :D We also saw a koala with long soft grey fur that reminded us of Abu – so now we call him the “Abu Koala”.
We watched a sheepdog presentation in the farm area. There was also a “petting zoo” area like back home, with sheep, goats, pigs and other farm animals roaming around. We all agreed that the sheep felt just like a big woolly sweater and that staying away from the bull might be a good idea.
We watched a sheepdog presentation in the farm area. There was also a “petting zoo” area like back home, with sheep, goats, pigs and other farm animals roaming around. We all agreed that the sheep felt just like a big woolly sweater and that staying away from the bull might be a good idea.
From the barnyard to the kangaroo free range, and WOW, what an experience that was. Because Kangaroos apparently don’t do well when kept in captivity, their pen was set up like an outback bush. It was huge, and all the kangaroos had free reign. For a small fee, visitors can purchase kangaroo food and actually hand feed the animals. We thought the koalas were docile, but that was nothing compared to the kangaroos! They came right up to us, ate out of our hands and let us pet them and even give them a little snuggle.
At one point, Caleb was petting a sleepy kangaroo on his own and I have a feeling that if he had lain down with him, he might have been able to have a cuddly nap with kangaroo!
We can't forget about the adorable Mumma Koalas and their babies. It was amazing to see these young females interacting with their kids - and the kids were just as naughty as ours can be ;)
Oh - and did I mention snakes? We also watched a presentation while a handler held two live pythons! The kids each got to go up and touch the snakes - Mom hung out further back!
The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is definitely a place that visitors must hit when they are in Brisbane. We already purchased our season pass, so we can’t wait to bring family and friends through!A
The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is definitely a place that visitors must hit when they are in Brisbane. We already purchased our season pass, so we can’t wait to bring family and friends through!A
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