World’s Oldest Koala Sanctuary Ends ‘Koala Holding’ Experience

One of the world’s oldest and largest koala sanctuaries will no longer offer its most unique experience—holding a koala. Management at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary said the move was prompted by “increasingly strong visitor feedback,” and a wish for visitors to spend time with “the sanctuary’s koalas and their passionate wildlife care team, without necessarily holding them.” The 18-hectare sanctuary, nestled in Brisbane’s west, is the world’s oldest dedicated koala shelter. Established in 1927, it accommodates more koalas than any other zoological facility, with over 100 animals. The state of Queensland is one of three jurisdictions in Australia that still allows people to hold koalas; most other states have banned the act, letting guests feed and touch the creatures instead....