Queen to sashay for koala day

STAFF at the Ballarat Wildlife Park are hosting a special guest tomorrow, with local drag queen Gabriella Labucci set to appear at the site this morning.

Off the success of her recently being on RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under, Labucci’s appearance is aimed at bringing awareness to Save the Koala Day, which is acknowledged on Friday and aimed at highlighting koala conservation.

She said it’s important to shine a spotlight on one of Australia’s iconic marsupials.

“Unfortunately, koalas are dying off and I don’t want them to become extinct because they’re gorgeous and it would be awful if they weren’t around anymore,” she said.

“I get to have a beautiful encounter with some of the animals, feeding koalas and tigers and such.

“People can come and grab a photo and have a chat but really, come and talk to the koalas because they’re much more entertaining than I am.”

Labucci is set to visit at the park just after 10am for just over an hour.

Park staff are also acknowledging Save the Koala Month, held throughout September, with the release of their 2024 koala calendar.

Save the Koala Month was established by the Australian Koala Foundation, which has been running since 1986.

Funds raised from the calendar will go towards the foundation as well as the Ballarat Wildlife Park’s Branching out for Koalas campaign which is aimed at restoring the marsupials’ habitats with the planting of gum trees.

Cassandra Hancock, the park’s head mammal keeper said the team’s aim of the project is to lessen the burden koalas are currently facing.

“Koalas hold a special place in the hearts of Australians and wildlife enthusiasts worldwide,” she said.

“Through our calendar and associated events, we hope to raise awareness about the challenges they face and inspire action to protect them.”

The calendar is expected to be printed in late November and can be pre-ordered at the Ballarat Wildlife Park website.