EARLY BIRDS TO CATCH EXCLUSIVE PARK TOURS
CURRUMBIN Wildlife Sanctuary is inviting small groups of animal enthusiasts in for an exclusive tour, but they’ll have to be up early.
The zoological garden has launched the new attraction, which is called the Sanctuary Sunrise Tour, so people can experience the park before doors officially open.
Experienced tour guides will take small groups of guests on 90-minute tours three times a week.
“The thing that is exciting and different about the Sanctuary Sunrise Tour is that you have the whole place to yourself,’’ said Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary animal encounters supervisor Claudette Merrick.
“You will see animals that will be eager to see you as they await or are having their breakfast.’’
Guests would learn some interesting facts on each species and what they can do to help the wildlife.
Ms Merrick said this was especially important for creatures “that need us to save them from the brink of extinction”.
Tour groups would learn the history of the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and its founder, Alex Griffiths, before embarking on a journey to the park’s Lost Valley to interact with “cheeky” sun conure birds, feed eastern grey kangaroos, have special one-on-one time with animals, and learn about koalas and their habitat, and about the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital.
Tours officially start today and run during the school holidays on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays from 7am to 8.30am.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary was founded by beekeeper and flower grower Dr Griffiths in 1947, initially as a lorikeet feeding display.
Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, one of the busiest animal hospitals in the world, treats more than 11,500 sick, injured or orphaned native animals a year, including more than 500 koalas.