The protector of animals: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Lorikeets flying, their colours forming a bright sky. Koalas slumbering, relaxing on trees. Kangaroos and wallabies lumbering about, chilling in the breeze. Crocodiles coming up for air, snapping at fish. Tasmanian devils, shyly scuttering about. Wombats digging, getting away from the heat. Echidnas snuffling, sticking out their tongues. Emus scattering, running swiftly. This list could go on and on and on, with Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuaries' wide range of animals they nurse.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has a wide variety of animals spread across 27 hectares, and the huge range is so big that if a full list were to be made, (as mentioned before) the list would be endless! Let's take a look.

The capybara - The capybara is the largest rodent and can weigh up to 70 kg. They are partially aquatic, sometimes jumping into the water to escape being a meal. Just like a hippopotamus, their facial features are on the top of their head, so they can still breathe, see and hear while in the water. Capybaras will live near a form of water, eating the plants that grow there in the wet environment. Capybaras can live up to 12 years.

The lorikeet - The lorikeet is another amazing animal. They are colourful birds who eat pollen, fruit, nectar and insects. They are usually found in trees. The founder of Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary (Alex Griffiths) originally fed them so they would stop messing up his flowers. Soon, a spark of curiosity from tourists and locals made the feeding an attraction. Everyday, you can feed the birds while they perch on your arms and head! Here's a fun fact - lorikeets, when babies, actually have a black beak. As they grow, it turns orange!

Kangaroos and wallabies - Since both come from the same family, they have some similarities, like both carrying a joey in their pouch. However, they also have many differences. Kangaroos, bigger in size, munch on grass in vast and open areas, while wallabies, considerably smaller, can be found in more dense areas and feed on a variety of plants and grasses. Wallabies live in small family groups while Kangaroos live in larger groups. These larger groups are called mobs. Just like a lot of other animals, both wallabies and kangaroos both have many species. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has many of them, and you are allowed to visit and see them! Kangaroos are also capable swimmers, just like the capybara, and are able to move both legs by themselves, in contrast to being on land, where they cannot move their legs independently.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary doesn't just have magnificent animals, it also has many shows and events! The main events can range from bird events to hospital presentations to indigenous culture shows. For bird events, you can experience lorikeet feeding, pelican viewing and, in general, the beautiful birds of Australia. For hospital presentations, you can learn about the way the sanctuary takes care of the wildlife, and for indigenous culture shows, you can listen to the music that they alluringly make, while watching and learning their unique culture that is very fascinating.

Last but not least, the hospital in the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is an act that is worth mentioning about. The not-for-profit hospital has a sole purpose: to treat, rehabilitate and release Australian wildlife back where they belong, healthy and happy. Watch the volunteer nurses as they save endangered animals. Donating will greatly help the cause, saving countless animals from dying, and their species being wiped out. You can also speak to the nurses and learn more about how Australia is actively helping their wildlife to survive.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a great place, with many animals, shows, events, and a special hospital purely for saving endangered animals. Its shows and events give way to a greater hospital that help the animals that are nursed in the sanctuary, healthy and safe. It provides entertainment for people who want to view the fantastic animals in Australia, and it helps people learn more about the animals nurses are working hard to save, so awareness can be spread and more people would know about this cause. What an astonishing park!