World’s Oldest Koala Sanctuary Ends ‘Koala Cuddling’ Experience

Zoo management say ’strong visitor feedback' is behind the decision.

Naomi Osaka poses with Sprocket the koala ahead of the 2019 Brisbane International at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane, Australia on Dec. 27, 2018. Chris Hyde/Getty Images

One of the world’s oldest and largest koala sanctuaries will no longer offer its most unique experience—holding a koala.

Management at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary said the move was prompted by “increasingly strong visitor feedback,” and a wish for visitors to spend time with “the sanctuary’s koalas and their passionate wildlife care team, without necessarily holding them.”