Bunbury Wildlife Park animals missing visitors and extra chin scratches

While people are missing visiting the animals at Bunbury Wildlife Park, keepers want to let them know the animals are waiting excitedly for the day the park is eventually allowed to reopen.

From Plum the quokka following the keepers around like a fuzzy, adorable shadow, to the cockatoos testing out new catchphrases, the animals have been giving staff plenty of attention while visitors are away.

Having been closed to visitors for two months due to coronavirus restrictions, team leader Kellie Payne said both staff and the animals were excited for the day they could reopen, which was anticipated to be during phase three of the State’s coronavirus recovery plan.

We are really looking forward to it. And obviously the animals – particularly the cockatoos and corellas – will love having the people back.

Keeper Rebecca Kop said the cockatoos — including “resident loudmouth” Barrie — had been very talkative and would be excited to be able to chatter and show-off to visitors once more.

“He calls any time someone walks by, like ‘come, attention please,’” she laughed.

“And the quokka, any time someone walks by with a wheelbarrow he’s hopping along behind you and pawing at your legs like, ‘excuse me, where are the people.’”

She said the kangaroos were also looking forward to a few more chin scratches once visitors were allowed back in.