New ‘Lost Valley’ precinct opens at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

The National Trust Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on the Gold Coast has today officially opened its Lost Valley exotic precinct.

The exciting addition to wildlife attractions allows guests to explore little known environments and get up close with some of the world’s most unique flora and wildlife.

Featuring five hectares of lush tropical rainforest, Lost Valley takes guests on a journey through the ancient supercontinent Gondwana where they interact with exotic species including friendly Ring Tail lemurs, Cotton-top tamarins, Red panda, Capybaras, free-flying birds and exotic reptiles.

Introducing the exhibit to the public, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary General Manager Michael Kelly stated “the stunning rainforest precinct spans over 5 hectares and has been three years in the making and the team have worked so hard to create a living, breathing rainforest that will play home to breathtaking botanicals, exotic animals and free-flying birds. This is the biggest precinct that the Sanctuary has ever opened, in its 70 year history.

“The free flying birds within the aviary will be a real spectacle. We will have a large number of bird species including the Eclectus Parrot, Molucan Red Lory, Black Capped Lory, Satin Bowerbird, Emerald Dove, Chiming Wedgebill Golden Pheasants and Mandarin Ducks to name a few, as well as our striking macaws.”

National Trust of Australia (Queensland) Chief Executive Jonathan Fisher sees the precinct as being a celebration of environmental heritage, adding “this exhibit is the single largest investment by the National Trust of Australia (Queensland) and our mission is to connect people with nature and Lost Valley truly depicts this.

“We have managed to source the most unique and exotic animals and the team have created an incredibly natural, sustainable and biological environment for the animals and plants to thrive. Guests will actually feel like they are in the middle of an actual rainforest,” said Jonathan.

Lost Valley pays tribute to the Gold Coast Hinterland’s real and existing Lost World Valley which is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage listed area and includes expansive rainforest reserves in both Queensland and NSW.

Few places on earth contain so many plants and animals that are almost identical to their ancient ancestors. There is a concentration of primitive plant families, which are directly linked to flowering plants existing over 100 million years ago, as well as some of the oldest elements of the world's ferns and conifers.

Lost Valley will create a valuable visitor experience connecting them with nature and allowing them to discover unique species in an exciting and immersive environment. 

Images: Guests enjoy the new Lost Valley exhibit (top and middle) and a red panda from the exhibit (below). 

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