Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett is calling on local animal lovers to help a Childers iconic zoo get through the COVID-19 crisis.
Mr Bennett said Snakes Downunder Reptile Park and Zoo was facing an economic and animal welfare disaster as a result of the COVID-19 lockdowns, but people could help save the animals.
“Our local iconic zoo has closed its doors to visitors amidst the COVID-19 crisis, and behind-the-scenes operational costs continue to soar,” he said.
“These animals need to be fed and looked after, but with no customers coming through their doors, the situation is becoming more desperate by the hour for this small business and their beloved animals.”
The MP has helped Snakes Downunder launch adoption packages to encourage the community to get involved and help cover costs to keep animals alive and well throughout the forced closure.
“From cuddly koalas to mischievous meerkats, or even our scaly reptile friends, there’s a vulnerable animal that needs your help,” Mr Bennett said.
“This well-loved iconic zoo is really doing it tough right now and we can do our bit to make sure these animals are looked after, so they are still around when the zoo can finally reopen.”
Mr Bennett has pledged $100 towards the care of Matilda the koala.
Snakes Downunder’s Ian Jenkins welcomed the Federal Government’s $95.6 million support package for zoos and aquariums across the country.
“While we are very appreciative of the federal government’s new funding package for zoos and aquariums, it may take time for that to kick in,” Mr Jenkins said.
“Any help from our zoo followers would be greatly appreciated.
“We’ve got some fantastic species around and some quite charismatic individuals within the groups of animals we’ve got here, so we thought it might be fun to offer them up for adoption to see if the public might be able to support them and get some weekly information about those individuals.”
Weekly updates of the adopted animals will be provided to anyone who sponsors an animal.
Head to snakesdownunder.com to adopt!
29/04/2020