Backlash after sanctuary ends koala cuddles

A Brisbane animal sanctuary has put a stop to visitors cuddling koalas in response to feedback it received from people who would rather spend longer with the animals than hold them.

As of Monday, the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary no longer offers visitors the opportunity to cuddle a koala but will instead give people more time in the koala sanctuary to build a connection with the animals and learn more about them.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary general manager Lyndon Discombe said they had seen an increase in demand for educational programs and guided experiences, and being able to witness koala’s natural behaviours.

“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,” he said.

“Once you see them up close and in their wonderful natural state, we hope our guests love and respect them even more.”

While the sanctuary was putting an end to the experience, research from Griffith University showed that koalas in captivity liked being handled by guests and became more stressed when there were no visitors to hold them.

Former president of the Queensland Zoo and Aquarium Association Al Mucci told News Corp the research conducted during Covid showed the cortisol levels (a measure of stress and discomfort) in koalas’ faecal matter increased when there were no visitors around.

“It will be interesting to see what happens,” he said.

The move was supported by the Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA) Australasia which commented the sanctuary was an important centre for conservation education and advocacy.

“This decision will address the desires of visitors to see koalas in their natural state while still providing the immersive, unforgettable, and educational experiences that drive conservation engagement in ZAA-accredited institutions,” a ZAA spokesman said.

The reaction from visitors to the park has been mixed with some people supporting the move and others were disappointed by the decision saying there was no reason to visit the venue anymore.

Leis Hedges said while she understood the decision was made, if the animals were stressed then the experience would never have been offered over many years.

“I am no longer going to go there if I cannot cuddle a koala. Thanks for the memories Lone Pine and I sincerely wish you continued success,” she said.

“Why couldn’t there be two different kinds of experiences – one for holding koalas and another for spending longer periods of time with them? Why end it altogether?” Michelle Rowland said.