Spring is in full bloom at Healesville Sanctuary, with the native animals enjoying an influx of bright, yellow wattle to mark the change of season.
Keepers are introducing blossoms to the Swamp wallabies, Koalas, and Rainbow lorikeets as a source of enrichment – with all the animals intrigued by the sweet and slightly fruity smell.
Healesville Sanctuary Mammal Keeper Sheena Dick said the Swamp wallabies thoroughly enjoy tucking into the wattle.
“Wallabies are browsers when it comes to eating, so they like to eat the bark and leaves too,” Ms Dick said.
“They have evolved to eat tougher Australian grasses and tussocks, which means the branches are good for their teeth and digestion.
“The Koalas also had a sniff and put their faces in the flowers, later returning to chewing on eucalyptus leaves.
“As expected, the Rainbow lorikeets absolutely loved the look of the acacia, nibbling at the flowers. Visitors can see this occur during a visit here, and may even encounter it during a walk around their local neighbourhood.”
Healesville Sanctuary’s Horticulture Department collects wattle once a week for keepers to supply to a variety of animals. Fifteen different varieties of wattle can be found growing throughout the grounds of Healesville Sanctuary. The most common wattle that visitors can see are Acacia Melanoxylon, also known as Australian Blackwood, and Acacia Dealbata, known as Silver Wattle.
There will be plenty of free activities for kids at Healesville Sanctuary these upcoming spring school holidays, including two new daily Keeper Talks. Visitors can learn all about Echidnas and the precious birds who call the Fighting Extinction Aviary home.
Zoos Victoria and Healesville Sanctuary visitors are reminded that all tickets must be pre-booked online at zoo.org.au. Zoos Victoria Members no longer need to book but are required to scan their Membership card to gain entry.
