Do you want to cuddle a Tasmanian devil? What a joke: Australia Zoo - About Us - Zoo News - Be One of the First to Cuddle a Darling Devil
And that sums it up pretty well. If people are silly enough to pay the extra money, Australia Zoo would be silly not to take it!
Ahhh - yes it's most definitely free to pat the koalas in Walk-Thru, and not at all discouraged - that is why there are logs under the koalas, and a keeper there at all time to monitor. The only koalas you can't pat there are ones which are having their day off pats, which if down low, will have a sign stating they are not to be touched. Just ask a keeper next time you're in walk-thru which ones are allowed to be patted for the day, and she'll be right mate.
I remember being able to pat Harriet and it was definately called Australia Zoo. I just can't see how they justify charging such high admission rates and then such high encounter fees. $50 to feed lions is a great value encounter at a much cheaper Queensland zoo. But what Steve said is right. It just makes me wonder how many more people would go through the gates if it was more affordable.
OR - Imagine if it was the same price, and also included a rollercoaster/theme park? They can re-name it Busch Gardens Australia (Zoo). I'd go! They'd get heaps more patrons!
