Outside of one of Australia's biggest cities, Brisbane, Queensland, is a zoo that has been voted One of the 10 Best Zoos in the World. It's no wonder when you go there. This was by far my favorite zoo/sanctuary. I could go back time and time again!
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is a zoo/sanctuary that has over 130 koalas at varying stages of life. You can visit all of the different age koalas and see them being so super cute. You can also hold one!!! Yep - you heard me right. A worker at the Sanctuary walks up and puts one of those cuddly, adorable (and let's be honest - a little smelly) animals in your arms to hold and snuggle. They take your photo and, if you are an American who is totally geeking out because you are holding your favorite animal on Earth, you get a few extra seconds of snuggle time.
Here are some photos of all the amazing koalas and our favorite koala, David, who Sean, Shellie (his sister), and I got to snuggle.
Welcome to Lone Pine! If you love koalas, you will love it here!
Shellie went first - how adorable (and young!) is she??? The koala is cute too.
I could not hide my excitement. Cute little David!!
The Sanctuary divides the koalas based on their age. This guy would have been in the "Retirement Village" enclosure.
"Who me?!? I'm just chillin' waiting to be hungry again. A koala's life is tough."
Napping away. Koalas sleep 20 hours a day. It's something in the eucalyptus leaves that makes them so sleepy.
This little guy was crawling around and playing. He had enough sleep and wanted food and to show off for the cameras.
The Sanctuary had other animals also. Shellie and I got to feed some more kangaroos.
They were hungry that day!
Sean and his mom convinced me to feed an emu. I thought it was an OK idea until it was time for that beak to peck my hand. My face shows the nerves/terror. It didn't hurt and I was happy for the experience. I'm not so sure I would do it again though.
Most wombats will not come out and play/eat while people are around. This little guy came out when I started talking to Sean. He said my accent drew it out of its hole. :) I loved that I got to see one out and about. They are cute!!
Outside Lone Pine they had signs showing you how far from other major cities we were in that spot. Take a right and go 11,535km and you hit LA. So far from home!!
Where have you traveled recently that had you geeking out?
Happy Traveling,
Very cool - those koala's are so cute. Don't they have nails? I thought they might scratch you.
ReplyDeleteThat looks amazing! I bet it was fantastic. If I ever make it to Queensland... ahh, dreams... ;)
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool place! I would love to hold a koala - I will have to put this on my must-do list :).
ReplyDeleteOh wow, I would love to hold a koala! What an experience! I'll remember about the emu just in case I ever have the experience to feed one and might pass on that one for sure. Honestly, we haven't traveled anywhere recently so no geeking out here :)
ReplyDeletebetty
Oh my gosh! I had no idea this place existed. On to the bucket list it goes! I've always heard that koalas were mean little creatures though, I had no idea you could actually hold one. (I have to say though, I think I'm a little partial to the wombat in your post, he just looks so darned cute!) Elle @ Erratic Project Junkie
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