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.<\/p>\n
Off the success of her recently being on RuPaul\u2019s Drag Race Down Under, Labucci\u2019s appearance is aimed at bringing awareness to Save the Koala Day, which is acknowledged on Friday and aimed at highlighting koala conservation.<\/p>\n
She said it\u2019s important to shine a spotlight on one of Australia\u2019s iconic marsupials.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnfortunately, koalas are dying off and I don\u2019t want them to become extinct because they\u2019re gorgeous and it would be awful if they weren\u2019t around anymore,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI get to have a beautiful encounter with some of the animals, feeding koalas and tigers and such.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople can come and grab a photo and have a chat but really, come and talk to the koalas because they\u2019re much more entertaining than I am.\u201d<\/p>\n
Labucci is set to visit at the park just after 10am for just over an hour.<\/p>\n
Park staff are also acknowledging Save the Koala Month, held throughout September, with the release of their 2024 koala calendar.<\/p>\n
Save the Koala Month was established by the Australian Koala Foundation, which has been running since 1986.<\/p>\n
Funds raised from the calendar will go towards the foundation as well as the Ballarat Wildlife Park\u2019s Branching out for Koalas campaign which is aimed at restoring the marsupials\u2019 habitats with the planting of gum trees.<\/p>\n
Cassandra Hancock, the park\u2019s head mammal keeper said the team\u2019s aim of the project is to lessen the burden koalas are currently facing.<\/p>\n
\u201cKoalas hold a special place in the hearts of Australians and wildlife enthusiasts worldwide,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThrough our calendar and associated events, we hope to raise awareness about the challenges they face and inspire action to protect them.”<\/p>\n
The calendar is expected to be printed in late November and can be pre-ordered at the Ballarat Wildlife Park website.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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\u2019s Drag Race Down Under, Labucci\u2019s appearance is aimed at bringing awareness to Save the Koala Day, which is acknowledged on […]<\/p>\n