A $2.57 million temperature-controlled koala loft will be built at Cleland Wildlife Park in South Australia.
The new enclosure will allow visitors to interact with koalas all year round in a single location, eliminating the need to transport the animals between lofts across the park.
Michelle Hocking, General Manager of Cleland Wildlife Park, said the new loft will allow them to continue providing an immersive nature experience where visitors can engage with the iconic koalas and learn about the importance of conservation.
“The world-class upgrade will provide us with an opportunity to showcase the conservation efforts being undertaken at Cleland while allowing visitors to observe the koalas up close.”
Susan Close, Deputy Premier of SA, said this is a much-needed upgrade and will provide a consistent climate for a comfortable environment for Cleland’s koalas and the people visiting them.
“Cleland Wildlife Park is one of the most visited locations in South Australia and the koala encounter experience is a large reason for its popularity.
“The welfare of our beloved species is a priority, and this new facility will ensure the koalas are housed in the best conditions possible every day of the year.”
While there will be some temporary changes to visitor experiences during the construction period, educational talks by experienced koala keepers, including habitat and conservation information, will continue to be provided daily.
The new loft, which is being built by BMD Constructions, is expected to be completed in late 2024.
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