Iconic animals settle in
Kuranda Koala Gardens has had two additions to its wildlife family. Two male greater bilbies recently arrived from Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Group manager Michael O’Brien said it was exciting. “(They) have been given some time to get used to their new surroundings within our new nocturnal exhibit,” Mr O’Brien said. “Kuranda Koala Gardens is the only wildlife park in North Queensland that houses these rare and iconic animals.”
KURANDA Koala Gardens has two special additions to its wildlife family.
Sunny and Kalka – two male greater bilbies – arrived from Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary a few weeks ago.
Group manager Michael O’Brien said it was exciting.
“(They) have been given some time to get used to their new surroundings within our new nocturnal exhibit,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Kuranda Koala Gardens is the only wildlife park in North Queensland that houses these rare and iconic animals.”
The park acquired the bilbies in support of the Zoo and Aquarium Association’s captive management program.
“These animals are residing in two purpose-built bilby enclosures, replete with airconditioning, in the exciting newly established nocturnal exhibit,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Koala gardens staff will hone their husbandry techniques and skills in collaboration with established holders of bilbies.”
It was envisaged that as the bilby captive management program grew, the gardens would become involved in the breed-for-release side of it to assist the re-establishment of healthy bilby populations in the wild in western Queensland, in a predator-proof enclosure erected by Save the Bilby Fund.