Cohunu Koala Park facts for kids
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A koala in Cohunu's koala enclosure.
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| Date opened | 1972 (present site 2009) |
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| Location | Byford, near Perth, Western Australia |
| Land area | 14 ha (35 acres) |
| Coordinates | 32°13′50.52″S 116°0′48.6″E / 32.2307000°S 116.013500°E |
| No. of species | ≈50 |
Cohunu Koala Park is a special place where you can meet amazing Australian wildlife. It's a wildlife sanctuary located on 14 hectares (about 35 acres) of natural bushland. You can find it in Byford, which is a town close to Perth.
This park is famous for its friendly koalas. But it's also home to many other cool animals!
Contents
Meet the Animals at Cohunu
Cohunu Koala Park is home to around 50 different types of animals. You'll find many native Australian creatures here. It's a great chance to see them up close!
Australian Mammals
- Koalas: The park's most famous residents!
- Dingoes: Australia's wild dogs.
- Kangaroos: Big hopping marsupials.
- Wallabies: Smaller relatives of kangaroos.
- Wombats: Burrowing marsupials.
- Echidnas: Spiny anteaters.
- Quokkas: Small, friendly marsupials from Rottnest Island.
- Alpacas: Though not native, they are fun to see.
- Deers: Graceful forest animals.
- Donkeys: Gentle farm animals.
Amazing Birds
- Eagles: Powerful birds of prey.
- Black swans: Western Australia's state bird.
- Pelicans: Large water birds with big pouches.
- Kookaburras: Known for their laughing call.
- Cockatoos: Smart and noisy parrots.
- Australian parrots: Colorful and chatty birds.
- Owls: Mysterious night hunters.
- Emus: Australia's largest bird.
- Ostriches: The world's largest bird.
Reptiles and More
- Freshwater crocodiles: Reptiles found in Australian waters.
You might also spot some lifelike dinosaur models around the park. They add an extra bit of fun to your visit!
A Brief History of the Park
Cohunu Koala Park has been around for a long time. It started as a dream to share Australia's unique animals with visitors.
How It All Began
Lucille and Nardino Sorbello first opened Cohunu Wildlife Park in 1972. It was located in Martin, near Gosnells, on a large area of natural bushland.
The Koala Colony Arrives
In 1982, four koalas came to the park from South Australia. This was the start of Cohunu's special koala colony! Because of these popular new residents, the park changed its name. In September 1991, it became Cohunu Koala Park.
Moving to a New Home
The park moved to its current location in Byford in 2009. Today, the koala colony has grown. There are now over 25 koalas living at Cohunu, including both northern and southern types.
Your Visit to Cohunu Koala Park
Cohunu Koala Park offers some unique experiences. You can get closer to the animals than you might expect!
Cuddle a Koala
One of the most popular activities is cuddling a koala. Between 10 am and 4 pm daily, you can have your photo taken holding one of these adorable marsupials. There is a small extra charge for this special experience.
Feed Other Animals
You can also get hands-on with many other animals in the park. Visitors are allowed to touch and even hand-feed various animals. This is a great way to interact with the wildlife.
Ride the Miniature Railway
The park also has a fun miniature railway. Volunteers built this small train, and it runs around the park. You can usually take a ride on most weekends and public holidays. It's a great way to see the park from a different view!
