Zoo management cite ‘strong visitor feedback’ as the reason behind the decision to discontinue the opportunity to hold koalas at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
Established in 1927, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is one of the world’s oldest and largest koala sanctuaries, housing over 100 koalas in its 18-hectare facility in Brisbane’s west.
While Queensland is one of the few places in Australia where people can still hold koalas, the sanctuary has decided to focus on allowing visitors to interact with the koalas and their dedicated wildlife care team in other ways.
The decision to end the ‘koala cuddling’ experience is in line with the guidelines set by Queensland’s Code of Practice, which limits the handling of individual koalas to ensure their well-being.
Instead of holding koalas, visitors can now participate in the $79 Koala Close-Up experience, where they can observe the koalas up close, feel their fur, and watch them eat eucalyptus leaves.
Lone Pine’s general manager, Lyndon Discombe, expressed that there is a growing demand for educational programs and guided experiences that focus on observing the natural behaviors of koalas.
Animal Wellbeing is a top priority for the sanctuary, ensuring that all interactions between animals and visitors are respectful and support the animals’ welfare.
Former Brisbane Lord Mayor Campbell Newman expressed concern that the decision to end koala holding may impact the sanctuary’s business, emphasizing the importance of maintaining what made Lone Pine special.
Despite the change, other zoos in Queensland still offer the opportunity for visitors to hold koalas.
