Want to get up close to some charismatic creatures? The Adelaide Zoo has a range of animal experiences and I felt lucky to take part in two new ones – ‘inspect an insect’ and the ‘koala encounter’.

Inspect an Insect

Zookeeper Daniel opened up the stick insect exhibit to give a closer look at these fascinating critters. Some were dark brown and twig-like, and others were more leafy in appearance. There were five species in the exhibit and the biggest was the Goliath Stick Insect at around 20 cm. That’s huge for an insect. But there’s a species in Queensland that grows even bigger – up to 50 cm!

Daniel presented species at various stages of their life cycle, from eggs to adults. I was allowed to touch and examine the eggs and carefully hold the adults. They have tiny spines to grasp onto branches, and it feels ticklish as they cling to your hand or walk up your arm. They’ve also been known to crawl up someone’s arm and hang off their cap.

As I held each species, they displayed various poses (like a catwalk model), and Daniel explained the meanings behind their behaviours. Most of the time they gently swayed back and forth to imitate leaves or sticks moving in the wind, an effective camouflage mechanism.

I also learnt about the important role of these insects in ecosystems. They’re an essential part of the food chain for many animals, and also help maintain the canopy with their constant chewing.

People of all ages would enjoy interacting with these fabulous minibeasts. It’s a fun and educational session. Go and check them out.

Bookings: https://www.adelaidezoo.com.au/animal-experiences/inspect-an-insect/

Koala Encounter

Next, I was excited to meet the zoo’s two beautiful koalas. In April 2018, they were royally welcomed by Prince Edward, and he named them Sophie and Louise after his wife and daughter.

As we entered the enclosure we were greeted by a long-nosed potoroo. The keeper gave me a biscuit to feed him, and I offered it to my new furry friend. He seized it and rushed off before the other potoroo found out.

Sophie was ready for socializing so I fed her some gum leaves and she munched them happily. Louise was hugging the tree trunk like a big fluffy teddy. As she turned around, I offered her a leaf-covered branch. She grabbed it with one paw, in a manner that was slightly bossy but completely adorable, and I had a good view of her front teeth as she picked off the juiciest leaves.

The zookeeper talked about their diet and lifestyle and told stories about the previous resident, an elderly koala whose teeth were ground down from a lifetime of chewing.

As I watched Louise chomping away, the potoroo returned and started licking my shoes. I thought this was extremely cute even though he probably just wanted another biscuit.

I loved spending time with all these animals and getting to know them a little better. It was a special opportunity I’ll never forget. I left with a new appreciation of Aussie wildlife of all shapes and sizes. To take part in these experiences, be sure to pre-book so you don’t miss out.

Koala encounter bookings: https://www.adelaidezoo.com.au/animal-experiences/koala-encounter/

By Carolyn Wild