I realised I didn't provide an update from my first visit to the Sanctuary a couple of weekends ago. Overall not much to report, but a couple of big developments are underway.
Firstly, the Wetland Birds Aviary is inaccessible, as it is closed for "exciting renovations". Looking forward to seeing what this will entail.
Secondly, the Koala exhibits (that also displayed echidnas and wallabies) has been demolished, with the area to reopen mid-year as Koala Forest. This will display koalas and echidnas via an elevated boardwalk and include play and presentation areas. The boardwalk will also link across the existing path through to the Brolgas to the Kangaroo walk-through exhibit, which is to include Red Kangaroo, Parma Wallaby and Rock Wallaby (see photo below for map).
This redevelopment will eventually include the rest of the Kangaroo exhibit, in two further stages. The first of these will cover the half of the existing Kangaroo exhibit closest to the koalas and include the previously listed macropods, a presentation area, a megafauna play area, a rocky cliff area, a potoroo and bandicoot sanctuary, and the Pouch House, for baby kangaroos and wombats.
The final stage covers the rest of the existing kangaroo exhibit, and is mostly a walkthrough for the Kangaroo Island Kangaroos. It also includes a presentation area, potoroo and bandicoot sanctuary, stream, bridges and a boardwalk around exhibits for Tree Kangaroos. The overall plan (I imagine subject to change and with no dates yet) is below.
Other than that, the Sanctuary was looking good, with little else notable to report. A Mareema Sheepdog has taken up residence in the smaller Dingo exhibit, I think with some of the Dingos. The Lyrebird Aviary has reopened, but the renovations they have done have been minimal, I only noted the addition of a small presentation area where they do scatter feeds for the birds.
