Port Macquarie's Billabong Zoo has opened its Africa Exhibit, a new home for cheetahs 'Warrior' and 'Vongani', who are expected to be big drawcards this Summer.

The Zoo has undergone massive transformation becoming one of NSW's best regional zoos for close-up, intimate encounters with animals. Visitation has more than doubled in five years to around 100,000 people a year, making it the region's fastest growing attraction. 

Passionate Owners, Mark & Danena Stone, and their dedicated team, opened a range of new exhibits for cheetahs, snow leopards, a monster crocodile, penguins and red pandas.

“The arrival of the snow leopards saw an increase in turnover of 62% last Summer, so we are anticipating the cheetahs will have a huge impact this year. Everyone just loves the big cats.” said Mark Stone, Manager, Billabong Zoo.

“In the coming months we will welcome new lions to the Africa Exhibit”, added Mark.

Billabong Zoo is spread over 10 acres and is privately owned. It features a variety of native and exotic animals, regular keeper presentations every half hour and hands-on animal interaction. It is also a world-renowned breeding centre for koalas, where upon entry you can pat a koala.

For a small extra fee people can have amazing up-close 'personal encounters' such as hand-feeding the snow-leopards or Meerkats, have a one on one with a koala, draping a python around you and play with the penguins.

Who's new at the Zoo?

• Cheetahs - two cheetah brothers 'Warrior' and 'Vongani' have arrived. Vongani is a ladies man, quite charismatic, while Warrior is just a big softy. Cheetahs are well known for their long-legged, slender bodies with a beautiful golden tan coat that is covered in around 2,000 black spots. They are the fastest land mammal on the planet and currently listed as critically endangered.

• Red pandas – 'Rato' and 'Tito' are super cute and cheeky, and one of the planets most threatened species.

• Meerkats – 'Bido' and 'Pongo' are mischievous meerkats who love nothing more than to munch on as many grubs and worms as they can during their keeper presentation.

• Penguins – you can come inside the enclosure to meet and greet their very own 'happy feet' and take some amazing up close photos.

• Monster crocodile – a new Jurassic Pond exhibit is home to a 4.6metre monster croc called 'Shrek' with underwater viewing of the 50 year old salt water crocodile. The 12.30pm feeding show is a must-do on your visit.

• Snow leopards – 'Kamala' and 'Sabu' have big fluffy paws, a huge tail and weigh about 35 kilos, They are one of if not the most endangered big cat on the planet and with only 3 other zoos in Australia to house these magnificent cats their new home at Billabong zoo is a must see.

Other animal attractions in Port Macquarie include The Koala Hospital, Camel Rides on Lighthouse Beach, horse-riding at Cassegrain Wines and Bellrowan Valley, and dolphin spotting on a River Cruise. 

Billabong Zoo is open every day except Christmas Day. It is located at 61 Billabong Drive, Port Macquarie (at the junction of Pacific & Oxley Highways). Ph: 02 6585 1060. www.billabongkoala.com

Port Macquarie is a 4-hour drive North of Sydney or a 1-hour flight from Sydney and Brisbane with connections to the rest of Australia. For more information contact the Greater Port Macquarie Visitor Information Centre on 1300 303 155 or go on-line at www.portmacquarieinfo.com.au.   

MEDIA CONTACT:

For more information and images please contact:

Gabrielle Brewer - Lifestyle & Tourism Public Relations

M: 0419 986 528 or gabrielle@gabriellebrewer.com

Or

Mark Stone, Manager at Billabong Koala and Wildlife Park

M: 0412 048 874