Cairns, Australia - KOALA GARDENS - 2 of 2

So at the end of our rainforest, we walked (in the pouring rain) around Kuranda. We took the opportunity to go to Koala Gardens to see KOALAS and other animals that were native here.

We hit the jackpot there as we saw many Aussie animals (there are 70 species of macropods) including quokkas, wallabies, kangeroos, wombats, lizards, gliders, bilby, pythons, and of course, crocs (although they are a little camouflaged so sometimes it took a little patience to spot them). The most fun part was when we met the wildlife keeper who handled the Koalas and we learned a lot about thm and their lives (they sleep 18-20 hours/day).

Everyone loves a koala! They are found in tropical to cool temperate woodlands and transition areas between land and water habitats in semi-arid climates along the east coast of Queensland. Adult koalas weigh anywhere from 10-35 pounds. Their diet consists of strictly eucalyptus leaves and their lifespan is 10 - 12 years in the wild, and 16 - 18 years in captivity.

The other animal we really enjoyed here was the kangaroo, which is found in grasslands and inland forests of eastern Australia. Males stand 7’ and females a little less. Their diet consists of a wide variety of grasses and shrubs and their lifespan varies from 6 years in the wild to, 20+ years in captivity.

We also saw wallabies (agile, swamp and parma), who knew. The Agiles are medium-sized are found in dry open grasslands and woodland in northern Australia and are 3’ tall and weigh 33 pounds eating grasses, fallen leaves, foliage, bark, flowers and fruit living 10-15 years. The Swamps are found in thick undergrowth in the forests and woodlands of the entire east coast are about 2.5’ tall for females, eat shrubs, agricultural crops, and native and exotic vegetation, live 12 - 15 years in the wild, The large Parma are found in woodland, heathland and grassland areas in south-eastern Australia and Tasmania and are 60 pounds or more eating plant matter and living 15-20 years.

The last one of the many we saw that I want to point out are the crocodiles (crocs to their friends). These are found in freshwater wetlands, rivers and billabongs. They can be 10’ for males and 7’ for females (not as scary) and live on fish, birds, and small reptiles and live 50+ years.

What a fun experience observing all these animals in a live setting (not a zoo) in the Koala Gardens!!!!
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