| Many parents ask which Queensland attractions | | | | programs, wildlife on wheels, forest walks, course |
| will keep the whole family happy. We all know | | | | challenges and even community courses. There |
| that Australia has abundant wildlife. The kangaroo, | | | | are also wildlife shows for snakes, birds and |
| crocodile and koala, in particular, have become | | | | marsupials and feeding times that engage experts |
| such a part of Australia's charm. Souvenirs | | | | to explain about their animals' natural habitats and |
| incorporating them can be found all over Australia. | | | | what everyone can do to help preserve these |
| But have you ever cuddled a koala? Fed a | | | | wonderful animals and their environments. |
| crocodile? Or stand amongst a mob of kangaroos, | | | | Most of your admission charge (and private |
| where you actually feel like you're at one with | | | | donations) go to the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital |
| them? That is emotional rapport - one that | | | | that treats all types of animals, from the most |
| strikes the heart to be able to get so close and | | | | agitated pelicans to the most docile parrots. |
| personal with these amazing creatures. | | | | Apart from giving tours inside the sanctuary itself, |
| So which Queensland attraction, nestled in the | | | | Currumbin extends its campaign for wildlife |
| heart of the Gold Coast with 27 hectares of rain | | | | conservation to businesses and homes as they |
| forest will let you get up close and personal? | | | | are part of the ecoBiz program, opened by the |
| Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, of course. | | | | Environmental Protection Agency. |
| It's home to the biggest assortment of native | | | | They are a leading example of recycling and |
| wildlife in Australia. The sanctuary was founded | | | | minimising water and electricity wastage, as paper |
| back in 1947 by Alex Griffiths, an accidental | | | | in the sanctuary is reused as bedding for the |
| environmentalist, who started feeding lorikeets in | | | | animals and writing pads. Uneaten food and |
| order to stop them from destroying his prized | | | | beverage and also uneaten eucalyptus leaves is |
| flowers. This seemed to build a curious magnetism | | | | turned into mulch and used in the aviaries. |
| for locals and tourists alike, and people came from | | | | To help sustain the expensive needs of animal |
| all over just to see the curious sensation. Griffiths | | | | care, the sanctuary has three cafe restaurants to |
| then turned over his sanctuary to the Natural | | | | choose from which also makes for a convenient |
| Trust of Queensland who invested in different | | | | stop. Sanctuary Cafe, Koala Junction and Sawrey |
| areas of wildlife conservation such as research, | | | | Room are also available for birthday and wedding |
| caring for the injured and much needed public | | | | functions. |
| awareness campaigns. | | | | If you find a wild bird dropping by to join your |
| As part of their campaign for education, the park | | | | lunch, don't be surprised. This too is one of the |
| offers different interactive programs that cater | | | | blessings of taking part in a Queensland attraction |
| to all types. There are school programs, holiday | | | | that cares for its animals. |
| programs for kids 6 to 12 years old, night | | | | |