KI Wildlife

As one would expect on island full of greenery there are many opportunities to experience animals in their natural habitat – as I have previously stated my favourite is of course Seal Bay – but here are another great few options on the island to see animals in their natural environment.

Parndana Wildlife Park

Located just 3km west of Parndana in the heart of the island, this wildlife park boasts a wealth of rare and unusual birds and animals. Initially a sanctuary for unwanted or abandoned animals the park does great work in looking after those animals that may not have made it without a little extra TLC. With a variety of native Australian animals and birds the no.1 highlight of the park has to be the opportunity to feed a collection of hand reared female kangaroos. Yes I can safely go back to England and tell all those that will listen that I have actually fed a kangaroo. (Please see below one of the only pictures I will include of myself – purely to confirm the above statement is true).  

Hanson Bay Sanctuary

Found on the way to Flinders Chase National Park (of which a post will soon follow) Hanson Bay offers a beautiful self-guided Koala Walk – where you are guaranteed to spot several Koalas in the trees. I must warn you that for an animal which sleeps for 20 hours a day – the Koala can sometimes be a little slack on the entertainment front however if you are lucky enough to find one awake they will definitely live up to their cute and cuddly image.

Kangaroo Island Penguin Centre  

On taking a walk through Kingscote and enjoying the views from the jetty – I recommend also stopping by at the Kangaroo Island Penguin Centre. Offering guided tours from 8.15 in the evening the penguin centre offers a chance to experience island wildlife at night. These rather unique tours take you searching for fairy penguins through the rocks and alcoves surrounding the jetty and enable you to witness another adorable creature in action. Penneshaw also hosts its own Penguin centre if this provides less distance for those staying closer to the ferry – my one piece of advice is to make sure you come after February so that it gives the little penguins time to return from their travels out to sea. 

(Unfortunately in order not to disturb the penguins photos could not be taken - therefore I'm afraid a rather shoddy picture of the centre's display will have to do)