sheila_mushroom – Billabong Sanctuary https://www.billabongsanctuary.com.au Rated as one of the best things to do in Townsville Wed, 14 Aug 2024 23:31:27 +0000 en-AU hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.5 https://www.billabongsanctuary.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/cropped-logo3-32x32.png sheila_mushroom – Billabong Sanctuary https://www.billabongsanctuary.com.au 32 32  Here she is!!! Meet Nagani, the Burmese python! https://www.billabongsanctuary.com.au/here-she-is-meet-nagani-the-burmese-python/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=here-she-is-meet-nagani-the-burmese-python Wed, 14 Aug 2024 23:31:27 +0000 https://www.billabongsanctuary.com.au/?p=15236 We are so excited that Billabong’s worst-kept secret is finally out on display!

Nagani arrived a couple of months ago, but has been in the reptile room while her new enclosure on the Exotic Animals Boardwalk was completed.

Regular visitors have watched the progress as the water feature, rocks and plants were installed. Looks great!

Shifting to her new quarters was a team effort.  At 4 metres in length, and weighing a whopping 23 kilos, it requires 3 or 4 rangers to handle her.

This magnificent python is now permanently on display, directly opposite the American alligators.

Did you Know? Burmese pythons are an invasive pest in the Florida Everglades, where they are decimating native wildlife—and they are large enough to consume an adult ‘gator!

Apart from being a stunningly beautiful reptile, Nagani is here to help educate visitors on the havoc posed by invasive species throughout the world.   Come and see her soon!

 

NaganiNaganiNagani 11

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We are Hiring! Casual Reception/Shop Position for Immediate Start https://www.billabongsanctuary.com.au/we-are-hiring-casual-reception-shop-position-for-immediate-start/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=we-are-hiring-casual-reception-shop-position-for-immediate-start Thu, 08 Aug 2024 00:03:43 +0000 https://www.billabongsanctuary.com.au/?p=15190 We seek a bright and motivated professional to join the friendly folks on our Front-of-House Team. You will be an all-rounder with skills in customer service and cash register POS as well as café experience.

The job includes:

-Time in the kitchen preparing light meals sold in our Blinky Bill’s Café. Food Handlers Certificate required

– Greeting visitors; selling tickets, souvenirs, food and beverages

-Shift work during weekdays, weekends, school holidays, and public holidays. Daytime only—we can work around school hours!

– Training provided before the next school holidays

You will need to provide your own transport as there is no public transport.

If this sounds like you, please drop your resume into the Shop, or email expression of interest/resume to gm@billabongsanctuary.com.au

We look forward to meeting you!

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RIP Luka https://www.billabongsanctuary.com.au/rip-luka/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rip-luka Sun, 28 Jul 2024 00:45:08 +0000 https://www.billabongsanctuary.com.au/?p=15135 It is with a heavy heart that we announce the death of our lovely little koala, Luka.

Luka was born to Ruby just 18 months ago. Ranger Ash named her Luka in honour of her father, big daddy Maluka.

Maluka is no longer with us, so Luka was the last of his offspring.

Rangers remember Luka as a gentle soul:  very inquisitive and alert, always eager to interact with rangers. She was recently starting to meet visitors during Junior Rangers and for photo sessions.

Sadly, she contracted a cryptococcus infection. In consultation with numerous specialist vets, Rangers did everything they could but were unable to save her. Management sends particular thanks to Rangers Maddie, Boen and Alex for their devoted care.

Rest in Peace, beautiful girl. You touched all of our hearts.

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New Birds on Display! https://www.billabongsanctuary.com.au/new-birds-on-display/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=new-birds-on-display Thu, 18 Jul 2024 03:33:18 +0000 https://www.billabongsanctuary.com.au/?p=15065 We are delighted to announce that two brightly coloured, talkative parrots are now out on display for the first time.

Ivy and Banksie have been living the good life behind the scenes for a while, but we decided it was time to share them with visitors.

They have joined Wendell and Dorothy in the eclectus parrot aviary, near the swimming pool.

Ivy is a scaly-breasted lorikeet, aptly named for the pattern of green and yellow feathers on her breast. Scalies are common in timbered areas all along the coast of Queensland. A favourite food is the nectar from paperbark flowers.

Banksie is a purple-phase rainbow lorikeet. This colour variation is a result of targeted breeding by hobbyists. Noisy flocks of rainbow lorikeets are also a common sight all along the east coast of Queensland.

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They’re Here! Three new dingoes have arrived! https://www.billabongsanctuary.com.au/theyre-here-three-new-dingoes-have-arrived/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=theyre-here-three-new-dingoes-have-arrived Sat, 13 Jul 2024 01:12:11 +0000 https://www.billabongsanctuary.com.au/?p=15041 Meet our three gorgeous dingoes— Rusty, Rocky  and Kirby.

Newly arrived from the Sydney Dingo Rescue, they are still settling in, exploring all the sights and smells of their new home.

This is all so interesting and new for them—be aware that they are still unsettled and probably a bit nervous. You are welcome to stop by and visit, but please be quiet, don’t crowd the fence and don’t expect them to come running up to greet you.

Dingoes are amazingly intelligent, resilient native animals, yet they suffer persecution in most parts of their range.

Starting today, there will be a brief Dingo Experience talk at 1:45 pm at the newly refurbished enclosure. Join us on the other side of the moat to learn a bit about this misunderstood Australian native.

 

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Farewell Ranger Nick! https://www.billabongsanctuary.com.au/farewell-ranger-nick/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=farewell-ranger-nick Sat, 06 Jul 2024 06:05:54 +0000 https://www.billabongsanctuary.com.au/?p=15005 This week we bid a reluctant farewell to our Assistant Curator, Dr Nick.

An expert herpetologist, Nick joined us in 2022. He had just completed ten years of extensive research on snake venom, culminating in a PhD thesis focussed on the venom of African pit vipers!

He welcomed the opportunity to work with our crocodiles here at Billabong Sanctuary and was soon presenting thrilling feeding shows.

Of course Nick was a regular presenter of the Venomous Snake Show, highlighting the vital role of these predators in the wild, and explaining how we can all stay safe in snake country.

One of his many projects was to expand and diversify our reptile collection, bringing in new specimens such as the rare Pilbara rock monitor.

His work here has always had a focus on education and he has been popular with schools and other tour groups.

Nick has always been passionate about conservation, and now has the opportunity take on a wider role in the community as a wildlife operations officer with DESI.

We wish him all the best.

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School Holiday Family Special: Meet the Meerkats! https://www.billabongsanctuary.com.au/school-holiday-family-special-meet-the-meerkats/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=school-holiday-family-special-meet-the-meerkats Fri, 21 Jun 2024 04:52:11 +0000 https://www.billabongsanctuary.com.au/?p=14916
We are delighted to offer a special deal for families to personally interact with our adorable meerkats: Ron, Dobby, Niffler and Moody. They will climb into your lap, eat from your hand, and entertain you with their antics. as they scamper about their enclosure.
For just $200 for a family of 4, this offer is great value– $60 off the regular price!
Note that this offer applies to the 2 PM SESSION ONLY and is available only during the Queensland school holidays.
Places will fill up fast, so ring 47 788 344 today to make your booking, and be prepared for a truly enchanting experience!🤩
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JUNIOR RANGERS RETURN! https://www.billabongsanctuary.com.au/junior-rangers-return-2/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=junior-rangers-return-2 Wed, 05 Jun 2024 06:15:37 +0000 https://www.billabongsanctuary.com.au/?p=14854 We are excited to announce that our popular Junior Rangers programme will return in the upcoming school holidays, better than ever!

We’ll be featuring a WILD Treasure Hunt to keep young animal lovers challenged during the morning.

There are two dates open at the moment: Tuesday June 25th for ages 5-8 and Thursday June 27th for ages 9-12  Places fill fast, so make your booking soon!

The cost is only $80 per child, which includes exclusive ranger-led adventures, morning tea, and the coveted Junior Ranger t-shirt.

To make your booking, just ring our Front of House team on 47 788 344 with your payment details.

Sorry: Because of the popularity of this programme, NO refunds after booking.

 

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Farewell to Ranger Ash https://www.billabongsanctuary.com.au/farewell-to-ranger-ash/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=farewell-to-ranger-ash Fri, 24 May 2024 22:18:00 +0000 https://www.billabongsanctuary.com.au/?p=14811 Our head of mammals, Ranger Ash, is moving on.

Ash worked with mammals and birds at Australian Reptile Park before joining us two years ago.  She has dedicated herself to improving enrichment and husbandry standards for our furry critters.

She has even taken on the happy task of hand-raising macropods including Indie, the lovely red kangaroo joey.

When not caring for mammals, Ash completed the training to handle snakes for the Venomous Snake Show and even to feed our big male estuarine crocodiles.

We will miss Ash for her wisdom, her hard work and her genuine love of Australian native animals.

We wish you all the best, Ranger Ash! Happy Trails

Ash Stumpy 1 2

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World Tree Kangaroo Day https://www.billabongsanctuary.com.au/world-tree-kangaroo-day/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=world-tree-kangaroo-day Mon, 20 May 2024 07:13:23 +0000 https://www.billabongsanctuary.com.au/?p=14770 May 21st is World Tree Kangaroo Day – a day to celebrate this amazing group of animals, found only in New Guinea and Australia.   There are only a dozen species, and some are critically endangered.

Here at Billabong Sanctuary we’re going to shine a spotlight all week on our own handsome Lumholtz’s tree kangaroo, Dave.

You are invited to a special ranger talk at Dave’s enclosure every day this week at 11:45 am and 2:00 pm. We’ll also be handing out some activity sheets for kids at the front counter.

Please join us to learn all about tree kangaroos and their important role in maintaining the health of tropical rainforests.

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