Celebrities, politicians and thousands of tourists have done it for years but cuddling koalas at a Brisbane wildlife sanctuary is coming to an end following feedback from visitors.
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Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in the city's west has announced a stop to koala holding as of Monday, replacing it with close-up experiences.
For years the sanctuary has welcomed international sports stars, tourists and domestic travellers who have had the opportunity for a cuddly snap with one of the sanctuary's esteemed residents.
But the future of koala interactions at the near 100-year-old wildlife centre will now take place in close-up encounters.
"The decision has been made in response to increasingly strong visitor feedback, wishing to spend longer with the sanctuary's koalas and their passionate wildlife care team, without necessarily holding them," Lone Pine said in a statement on Wednesday.
"In place of koala holds, Lone Pine will introduce a new experience, koala close-up, which will focus on meaningful connections and extended time in the presence of the sanctuary's beautiful koalas."
The sanctuary has seen an increase in demand for educational programs and guided experiences, General Manager Lyndon Discombe said.
"Once you see them up close and in their wonderful natural state, we hope our guests love and respect them even more."
Suzanne Milthorpe from world animal protection Australia said it was great to see a major tourism venue going down this route.
"Lone Pine is responding to feedback from their local and international visitors which underlines that public sentiment is continuing to shift away from direct interactions with wildlife," she said.
"The future of wildlife tourism is seeing wild animals in the wild where they belong. Tourists are increasingly moving away from outdated, stressful selfie encounters. The Queensland tourism industry needs to respond to these changes now."
The sanctuary opened in 1927 with just two koalas.
Australian Associated Press
