The animals at Ballarat Wildlife Park are definitely noticing the absence of visitors, according to park operations manager Jared Mulholland.
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Without the steady stream of different faces peering at them, keepers have noticed a difference in the behaviour of some of the animals.
To make up for the change in their daily routine, keepers are doing lots of extra enrichment activities including special feeds and other behavioural training.
To minimise any potential impact of coronavirus on the park, staff have been split in to two strictly separate teams so if the virus hits one team there will still be keepers to care for the animals.
The quieter time has allowed park staff to get an animal sponsorship program up and running, something Mr Mulholland said they have wanted to do for some time.
The sponsorships, which run from $50 to $500, will help the park through the current coronavirus crisis during which there is no visitor income, and help provide funds for general animal husbandry, veterinary requirements, breeding programs and conservation work.
"The main goal with sponsorship is to help support and assist us to maintain the high standards of care and help continue our conservation efforts in to the future," he said.
"People can choose which animal to sponsor ... which really helps us out massively."
So far the kangaroos and koalas have been popular but any of the hundreds of animals at the park can be sponsored.
The Park cares for many endangered species through breeding programs and financial support. These animals include critically-endangered Sumatran tigers, Goodfellow's tree kangaroos, Tasmanian devils and koalas.
For more details on sponsorships email info@wildlifepark.com.au or call 53335933.
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