Wild and wonderful
MORE than 100 colourful and rare creatures are spreading their wings and getting to know their new home at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s $3 million attraction.
The creatures, ranging from the red panda to capybaras, are the new, exotic residents of the 5ha Lost Valley rainforest that will open to the public on Boxing Day.
Released from quarantine yesterday morning, the cuddly creatures had their first taste of the warm Gold Coast sun and met the animal handlers who will work closely with them.
Currumbin Sanctuary general manager Michael Kelly said the creatures, from more than 40 different species, were being acclimatised
to their new homes.
“This has been years in the making and we are really excited to launch this,” he said.
“Some of the animals are still in quarantine but will be coming out over the next week.
“This is a really exciting time for the sanctuary and we are on track for where we wanted to be at this time and now are looking forward to the launch on Boxing Day.”
The tourist attraction has been under construction for nearly a year, with the sanctuary’s giant, long-abandoned bird aviary at its heart.
It features elevated walkways, waterways and rainforest.
It will be home to free flying birds including the eclectus parrot, moluccan red lory, black capped lory, satin bowerbird, emerald doves, chiming wedgebill, golden pheasant, mandarin ducks and macaws.
Many of these creatures have not been seen before on the Gold Coast.
The Lost Valley’s theme focuses on the ancient supercontinent of Gondwana, of which Australia was once a part. The opening is the culmination of the sanctuary’s 70th anniversary year.