Summary:
1. The Kangaroo Walk-Thru at the zoo is now open from 11 am-3 pm daily.
2. The decision to reopen the Walk-Thru was based on observations and considerations for the wellbeing of the kangaroos.
3. An anxious kangaroo named Sydney has been given choices and control to help alleviate her anxiety.
4. The kangaroos have gradually been introduced to small, calm groups to build confidence.
5. Visitors are reminded to follow the rules and guidelines for a rewarding encounter with these iconic Australian animals.
Have you heard? The Kangaroo Walk-Thru at our zoo is now open and ready to welcome visitors from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily! After several years of being closed for various reasons, including construction and the pandemic, it’s finally time to reunite with these fascinating creatures. But do you know what makes this reopening truly unique and special? Let me tell you all about it!
One of the main reasons for keeping the Kangaroo Walk-Thru closed for so long was the consideration of the wellbeing of our kangaroo mob. These incredible animals have their preferences and needs, and our caretakers’ duty is to ensure their comfort and happiness. One particular kangaroo, Sydney, a nine-year-old female, has shown signs of anxiety regarding change. After the closures due to COVID-19, she wasn’t quite ready to share her space with zoo guests. This prompted our dedicated Wildlife Care staff to develop a plan to help alleviate her anxiety and create an environment where all the kangaroos could thrive.
So, how do you help an anxious kangaroo? The answer is simple: giving them choices and control over their environment. Our keepers have designed an off-habitat location for the kangaroos, complete with privacy flaps. This secluded area allows them to retreat whenever they need to, whether to take a break from the visitors or have some quiet time. By giving them this option, we empower them to decide whether or not they want to interact with guests in the walk-thru, ultimately reducing their anxiety and stress levels.
But that’s not all! To help build the confidence of the entire kangaroo mob, we have been gradually introducing them to small and calm groups. Through our Wild Encounter and behind-the-scenes tour programs, visitors have had the chance to meet these majestic creatures up close and personal. These intimate encounters provide a unique experience for our guests and help the kangaroos grow accustomed to human presence in a controlled and positive manner. The kangaroos have responded well to these encounters, and as a result, we have increased group sizes and visit lengths, always keeping their comfort and behavior in mind.
With the Kangaroo Walk-Thru now open, it’s a thrilling time for our visitors and the kangaroo mob. Our team will closely monitor how they respond to the increased activity and make any necessary adjustments to ensure their well-being. We kindly ask all visitors to follow the rules and guidelines during their visit to make it the best experience for everyone involved. By remaining on the designated pathway and speaking softly, you can actively contribute to the comfort and happiness of Sydney and her kangaroo family.
So, what can you expect during your visit to the Kangaroo Walk-Thru? Besides the breathtaking opportunity to encounter one of Australia’s most iconic species, you can witness the incredible bond between these fascinating animals. Kangaroos are social creatures with a complex social structure, and observing their interactions can be truly captivating. From watching them playfully hop around to witnessing their nurturing behavior towards their joeys, every moment spent with our kangaroo mob is a chance to appreciate the wonders of the natural world.
Before you go, let’s recap the main points:
1. The Kangaroo Walk-Thru is now open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, allowing visitors to mingle with the kangaroo mob.
2. The decision to reopen was made with the well-being of the kangaroos in mind.
3. Sydney, an anxious kangaroo, has been given choices and control to alleviate her anxiety.
4. Gradual introductions to small, calm groups have helped build the confidence of the kangaroo mob.
5. Visitors are kindly reminded to follow the rules and guidelines for a rewarding experience with these iconic Australian animals.
So, visit our Kangaroo Walk-Thru, whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a curious observer, or simply looking for a unique and memorable experience. You will have an incredible opportunity to interact with these awe-inspiring creatures and contribute to the ongoing conservation efforts and the well-being of our kangaroo family. Step into their world, marvel at their beauty and let the magic of nature surround you. Weekend mode activated – it’s time to embark on an unforgettable adventure!
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Source Description
Weekend mode activated ✔️
The Kangaroo Walk-Thru is now open from 11 am- 3 pm daily! (subject to change without notice).
It has been several years since guests have been able to mingle with our kangaroo mob. Construction and pandemics aside, this decision was largely made based on observations of our kangaroos themselves. One kangaroo in particular, a nine-year-old female named Sydney, is particularly anxious about change: following COVID closures, she was uncomfortable sharing space with zoo guests. With animal wellbeing front of mind, our Wildlife Care staff have been working hard to ensure that she and the rest of the mob are comfortable at every step of reopening this much-loved zoo experience.
How DO you help an anxious kangaroo? By providing choice and control! Keepers have created an off-habitat location protected with privacy flaps for which the kangaroos can retreat if needed. This way, they can choose whether or not to be present with guests in the walk-thru. And, to help build the confidence of the entire mob, the kangaroos have been meeting with small, calm groups through our Wild Encounter and behind-the-scenes tour programs. Slowly, group size and visit lengths have been increased — always with the kangaroos’ comfort and behavior at the front of their minds.
With the Walk-Thru now opening to the public, our team will continue closely monitoring how the mob responds and make adjustments as needed. To help make this the best experience for everyone, we kindly ask that you remain on the public pathway and speak softly during your visit. Sydney and her kangaroo family thank you for following the rules – you’ll be rewarded with a unique encounter with one of Australia’s most iconic species! 🦘
