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Should I do a Koala Cuddle? Finding a Responsible Conservation Facility

  • Writer: Christy
    Christy
  • Mar 16, 2018
  • 3 min read

Koala Cuddles. To do or not to do? As someone who loves animals, and loves to cuddle animals, I was very interested in the Koala Cuddles during our visit to Australia. We're never excited to get sucked into tourist traps, but we were both willing to make an exception for the opportunity to hold an adorable koala (well, Jordan was willing to do it for me), but we wanted to make sure we did it responsibly.

We spent quite a bit of time leading up to the trip researching Responsible Koala Cuddles. Any time we decide to find an animal activity on any of our trips, we take the time to research the facilities offering the animal experiences. Many of so called “animal sanctuaries” are not what they seem. In these places, animals are raised with the sole purpose of making money from gullible tourist. Often these precious animals are starved, mistreated and completely unloved. My fear, anytime we consider an animal experience, is that we will unknowingly support one of these horrible places. After hours of research, Jordan found Rainforestation Nature Park in Far North Queensland, in the the Kuranda rainforest.

Rainforestation has a wonderful reputation for conservation and responsible treatment of their koalas. Many of these koalas are rescued form a situation in which they were domesticated and are now unable to return to the wild. Here, and in other responsible Koala Cuddle facilities, the koalas offered for the picture experience are not wild and have never lived in the wild. Typically; the money made from our tacky tourist photos is put back into caring for the koalas, not only in the conservation center, but also in the wild. Look for a facility that strictly limits your time with the koala. Although it may seem a bit disappointing at the time, it is best for the koala. In responsible conservation facilities, the koalas get rest days and are never used two days in a row. Rainforestation limits the koala’s “shift” to 30 minute increments. They need the other 23.5 hours to do important work – like sleeping, eating and digesting their food. Hence, the cuddle is quick, but totally worth it. The souvenir photo may seem touristy and maybe a little silly, but do it. It’s your lasting memory of this special moment.

During a responsible Koala Cuddle, you will be under the strictest instructions when you do get close to one. You must stand like a tree, arms out, and no grabbing hold of the animal. The koala will be placed on you, and your arms are gently positioned so it is comfortable for the koala, not necessarily you. No squeezing, tickling, or cuddling of any kind is allowed. Even with these restrictions, the experience is pretty amazing! This squishy, sweet little creature clinging onto you with its little feet and hands and its fluffy little ears sticking out in front of your face. According to the conservationists at Rainforestation (and tons of Google-ing), Extensive research has shown handling within these time limits has little to no effect on the Koala’s stress level, health or even their overall lifespan.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - So should you cuddle a koala? Obviously, it’s up to your conscience, but if you really can’t resist, here is a selection of wildlife centers where you can get up close and personal to a koala. Please, do your research! Make sure you choose a facility with responsible practices for a Koala Cuddle that you feel comfortable with.


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