Australia Zoo a temporary home for Hamilton Island's cyclone affected wildlife

Sunshine Coast attraction Australia Zoo is currently playing host to eight koalas and two dingoes, helping out Merlin Entertainment’s WILD LIFE on Hamilton Island.

The koalas and pair of dingoes - siblings Dekota and Doza - are taking a short vacation south while their home is rebuilt on the island, following the extensive damage to the Hamilton Island Wildlife Park caused by Tropical Cyclone Debbie.

Just like Australia Zoo, WILD LIFE’s top priority is the safety and happiness of their animals and therefore they were well-prepared before the catastrophic storm. However the bad weather has caused damage to infrastructure that will take significant time to repair, meaning the four-legged visitors will be taking some time to relax further south while attractions in the Whitsundays region get back on their feet. 

Animal transport experts Jetpets ensured access to flights, collecting the koalas and dingoes from Hamilton Island and working closely with the Island’s airport to ensure tje travellers arrived safely to the Sunshine Coast. The koalas and dingoes will now spend their time enjoying life at Australia Zoo with plenty of food and love until WILD LIFE Hamilton Island is ready for them to return home.

Rob Hall, General Manager of WILD LIFE Hamilton Island explained “the Regional Zoo community support has been fabulous and we are extremely grateful to Australia Zoo in particular for reaching out the way they have to take care of some of our animals while we rebuild exhibits and stabilise essential life support elements.

“Our sincere thanks also go to Hamilton Island Enterprises for their outstanding support and care of the island community as a whole during and following Cyclone Debbie.”

Australia Zoo owner Terri Irwin is proud to be able to help in this time of need, adding “we're so incredibly happy to be able to offer our support to our friends on Hamilton Island.

“Cyclone Debbie damaged and destroyed eucalyptus trees required to feed their koalas, so we will be hosting eight koalas until they are able to return.

“Queenslanders are such resilient people and in times like these we are more than happy to lend a hand.

“We will also be caring for two beautiful dingoes until their facilities can be rebuilt. We wish everyone in North Queensland all the best during cyclone recovery.”

Images: Koalas and dingoes relocated to the Australia Zoo. Courtesy of Ben Beaden/Australia Zoo 

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