Gorge Wildlife Park facts for kids
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Date opened | 1965 |
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Location | Cudlee Creek, South Australia, Australia |
Land area | 5.7 hectares (14 acres) |
Coordinates | 34°50′30.97″S 138°48′51.59″E / 34.8419361°S 138.8143306°E |
Memberships | ZAA |
The Gorge Wildlife Park is a special place for animals in South Australia. It is a privately-owned park located in Cudlee Creek within the beautiful Adelaide Hills. This park has been run by the same family since it first opened its doors in 1965.
It's about 30 kilometers northeast of Adelaide. The park covers 14 acres of land, filled with shady trees and winding paths. Here, you can find one of Australia's largest collections of native animals owned by a private family. Visitors can get up close with many Australian animals. You can also see exhibits of animals and birds from both Australia and other parts of the world. A very popular activity is getting to hold a koala!
Contents
Park History
The Gorge Wildlife Park was started in 1965. It has always been a family-run business. This means the same family has cared for the park and its animals for many years. They have helped it grow into the popular wildlife sanctuary it is today.
Australian Animals
The park is famous for its amazing collection of Australian animals. You can see many different kinds of kangaroos hopping around. There are also several types of wallabies, including the special Brush-tailed rock-wallaby. These animals are native to Australia.
Koalas
One of the biggest draws at Gorge Wildlife Park is the chance to interact with koalas. Visitors can gently hold a koala under supervision. This gives you a unique opportunity to learn about these amazing marsupials. It's a memorable experience for many visitors.
Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby
The Gorge Wildlife Park is actively involved in protecting animals. They work to save endangered species like the Brush-tailed rock-wallaby (Petrogale penicillata). This wallaby is a special type that lives among rocks. The park helps to protect these animals. They work to make sure these important species can survive and thrive.
Exotic Animals and Birds
Besides Australian animals, the park also has animals from other parts of the world. You can see a variety of exotic animals in their exhibits. The park is also home to many different kinds of birds. This mix of animals makes the park interesting for everyone.
Visiting the Park
The Gorge Wildlife Park is a great place for a family day out. It offers a chance to learn about animals and nature. The park's design with shaded paths makes it a pleasant place to explore. You can spend hours walking around and observing the animals.
Animal Encounters
Beyond holding a koala, the park often allows visitors to feed some of the animals. This might include kangaroos or wallabies. These interactions help people connect with wildlife. It also teaches them about animal behavior.
Conservation Efforts
The park plays an important role in animal conservation. By protecting endangered species like the Brush-tailed rock-wallaby, they help save animals from disappearing. They also educate visitors about the importance of wildlife protection. This helps people understand how they can contribute to saving animals.