An iconic south-east Queensland koala sanctuary has become the latest to end the practice of allowing guests to hold their koalas.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane, which opened in 1927, is a popular destination for getting up close and personal with the loveable Australian marsupial.
The sanctuary has issued a statement confirming that, from the start of this month, guests will no longer be able to hold the koalas – a move it says is to “address increasing public demand” for “more immersive and educational experiences”.
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“The decision has been made in response to increasingly strong visitor feedback, wishing to spend longer with the sanctuary’s koalas and their passionate wildlife care team, without necessarily holding them,” the sanctuary’s statement read.
The experience has been illegal in other states including NSW, Victoria, the Northern Territory and Tasmania for several years.
While cuddly in appearance, koalas are naturally solitary creatures and holding them for prolonged periods has been documented to induce stress.
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Activists hope this could be a signal of a broader shift in Queensland, where koala holding remains popular at many attractions.
Lone Pine will launch a new experience to take the place of the koala cuddles, called Koala Close-up, which it says will provide “meaningful connections and extended time” with the koalas.
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