World’s Oldest Koala Sanctuary Ends ‘Koala Cuddling’ Experience

Zoo management say ’strong visitor feedback' is behind the decision.

Naomi Osaka poses with Sprocket the koala ahead of the 2019 Brisbane International at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane, Australia on Dec. 27, 2018. Chris Hyde/Getty Images

One of the world’s oldest and largest koala sanctuaries will no longer offer its most unique experience—holding a koala.

Management at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary said the move was prompted by “increasingly strong visitor feedback,” and a wish for visitors to spend time with “the sanctuary’s koalas and their passionate wildlife care team, without necessarily holding them.”

The 18-hectare sanctuary, nestled in Brisbane’s west, is the world’s oldest dedicated koala shelter. Established in 1927, it accommodates more koalas than any other zoological facility, with over 100 animals.

The state of Queensland is one of three jurisdictions in Australia that still allows people to hold koalas; most other states have banned the act, letting guests feed and touch the creatures instead.

The Lone Pine experience has also been a major drawcard for high-profile visitors to Australia, with Roger Federer, Maria Sharapova, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, and Manny Pacquiao all snapped with the Australian icon.

Strict Rules for Handling the Icon

“Koala cuddling” is strictly governed by Queensland’s Code of Practice of the Australasian Regional Association of Zoological Parks and Aquaria (pdf), with individual koalas allowed to be handled 30 minutes per day, and a total of 180 minutes per week.

The Code also mandates that individual koalas must not be handled for three consecutive days before receiving a rest day, meaning zookeepers at Lone Pine must constantly rotate the creatures between sessions.

These sessions are also limited to a few hours each day, with guests having to book ahead at $45 for each five-minute experience.

Roger Federer of Switzerland holds a koala at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary during the 2014 edition of the Brisbane International in Brisbane, Australia on Dec. 29, 2013. Chris Hyde/Getty Images

In a statement, Lone Pine said it would be replaced with the $79 Koala Close-Up, a 15-minute experience shared between six guests where visitors can “feel the texture” of a koala’s fur and “watch as it munches on eucalyptus leaves.”

“We love that there is a shift among both local and international guests to experience Australian wildlife up close, but not necessarily personal, just doing what they do best—eating, sleeping, and relaxing within their own space,” said Lyndon Discombe, general manager of Lone Pine (pdf).

“We have absolutely seen an increase in demand for educational programs and guided experiences, focussing on the ability to witness the natural behaviours of koalas.”

Boxer Manny Pacquiao holds Tinkerbell the koala during a visit to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane, Australia on April 25, 2017. Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Animal Wellbeing said the “mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing” of all animals was a top priority.

“Animal visitor interactions must foster respect for the species by presenting the individual in a respectful context as well as supporting the animal’s welfare.”

The Epoch Times contacted Lone Pine for additional comment.

Forgetting What Made Lone Pine Special: Former Mayor

Former Lord Mayor of Brisbane Campbell Newman (2004-2011) said the announcement was likely pushed by animal rights lobbyists.

“Good luck to Lone Pine, I hope that their business does not suffer, but I fear it may,” he told The Epoch Times, saying the zoo had forgotten what “made it special.”

“I would simply say no government should be bailing them out down the track if their clientele desert them,” he added.

“They’ve announced a replacement experience, but it’s pretty similar to what’s around Australia.”

Other zoos in Queensland still offer koala holding.