WILD TIMES COMING BACK TO SANCTUARY

BILLABONG Sanctuary has survived cyclones, monsoonal flooding and now a pandemic.

The Nome wildlife park shut in March but has now given an opening date for when people can again cuddle up to a koala, snake or wallaby.

It will open on June 27, in time for the school holidays.

“It’s the best news I’ve had in two months,” Billabong Sanctuary owner Bob Flemming said.

Unlike many places, Billabong Sanctuary will have no restrictions for entry with the park’s 10 hectares of space offering plenty of space between people.

Social distancing rules will mean wildlife talks are suspended but will resume when safe to do so.

Mr Flemming said wildlife rangers would, however, be roaming through the park with animals, providing the up close and personal experiences the park is renowned for.

While the park has been closed, Mr Flemming said staff had continued to work and interact with the animals.

“We’ve been doing our bird shows each day, bringing out our wallabies and snakes,” he said.

“We’ve been fortunate we’ve been able to keep our staff on Jobkeeper.”

Mr Flemming said donations helped keep the animals fed, with no cash coming in since the park closed.

He said Coles had given fruit and vegetables while people spared a thought for the park’s resident crocodiles, gifting them unwanted chickens.

Mr Flemming said about 200 people entered the park a day during the holidays, with many coming from Cairns and Mackay.