Healesville Sanctuary will be spritzing, misting and soaking both visitors and animals, with a variety of new water installations to beat the heat and keep cool this summer.
From November 23, and all through summer, a swirling misting tunnel with transparent dragonflies will be activated between the Flower Misters on the Australian Wildlife Hospital Centre lawns, while a brand-new, giant ‘rainbird’ sculpture will take pride of place on the Koala Picnic Lawn.
Na-una-duk, the Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo, is the work of sculptor Martin Moore, and has been constructed from recycled materials. With its outstretched wings housing multiple water misters and reaching a magnificent five meters wide, this beautiful bird is sure to be a highlight on hot summer days.
Of course it’s not only the visitors who will be showered with mist over the holidays, with a range of serendipitous Cool Wildlife Enrichment also taking place. Keepers will be providing cooling misters for Koalas, a paddling pool for Tasmanian Devils, a river dip for the Dingoes and a shower for the Emus, just to name a few.
And there will be lots of fun activities happening around the grounds. Be sure to look out for the Zooper-soaker Team, who will be on hand for some cool, fun water combat, or swing on the specially-designed Hills Hoist sprinkler. And the famous Bubblogists will be back on site, creating all sorts of bubbly rainbow magic.
When shade is needed, visitors can delve into the Platypus precinct for daily Tank Talks and Plat Chats, and Wurundjeri Elder Murrundindi will be providing a didgeridoo soundscape and lessons on how to throw a boomerang.
Healesville Sanctuary is open every day of the year, including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Kids visit free on weekends, public holidays and all Victorian School Holidays.
