Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is located in Queensland, Australia approximately 15 minutes from Brisbane City and 50 minutes from away from the Gold Coast at Jesmond Road, Fig Tree Pocket. It is the worlds largest Koala Sanctuary. They house over 130 Koalas and are fiercely dedicated to the preservation of these cuddly looking animals.

The Koalas:

Lone Pina Koala Sanctuary has mainly made its home to Northern Koalas, but also has a small number of Southern Koalas from Western Australia. Southern Koalas are known to be much larger and fluffier than the Northern Koalas. They are also known to be a bit more energetic than the normally docile Northern Koala.

There are numerous different Koala homes spread across the Sanctuary and the Koalas are put in certain homes depending on their age and gender. There are homes for the "Boys" the Teenage Koalas, "The Kindergarten" where the younger toddler aged Koalas live, and "The Retirement Home" for the older koalas seeking a quiet life.

Many visitors make the trip to Lone Pine in search of an up close glimpse of these adorable Koalas. If you're interested in a more memorable experience you can participate in a Koala Cuddling Photo Station for a minimal fee. You will have your photo taken cuddling a koala, and they DO cuddle! My cuddly Koala went by the name of Oprah.

Other Animals living at the Sanctuary:

There are various and numerous Rainbow Lorikeets making a home at the Sanctuary. There are feeding times at 10am and 3pm where visitors are given the opportunity to feed these bright coloured and vocal birds. You will be surrounded by a swirl of colour as they come in for their feeding, which will make for a perfect photo opportunity.

There are various types of Lizards, Snakes, and Bats who have made Lone Pine their home. There are six species of the Python Snake including the Blacked Headed Python, Diamond Python, and Carpet Python. Visitors have the opportunity to participate in a Snake-holding Photo Session with the Pythons for a minimal fee.

Wombats are a close relative to the Koala due to their regular sleeping patterns. Lone Pine has their own Wombat Couple by the names of Natasha and Boris.

The Tasmanian Devil is a well-know Australian inhabitant. They can be fairly fierce animals despite their small appearance and size.

Dingos are also present at Lone Pine, and despite their dog-like appearance they can wild animals. You will be impressed by their grace and agility.

There are also various Wallabies and Kangaroos living at Lone Pine. Visitors are able to purchase food to feed these animals and get an up close glimpse. You'll be impressed at their size as they're nibbling from your hand.

There are also many other animals who have made Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary their home. However, the stars of the show are of course the Koalas. You won't regret your encounter with these animals, and will be impressed by the facilities and care that go into protecting these Koalas.

References:

http://www.koala.net/lonepine/index.htm