More by luck than design, our group arrived at Aussie Ark in the Barrington Tops, west of Gloucester, just in time for feeding the Tasmanian devils.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Exciting as that was, it was a only a small part of a completely fascinating experience.
Our guide was professional and friendly and we were even able to hold some adorable eastern quoll joeys, meeting their mothers, who had names such as Niquoll Kidman and Quolly Parton - very inventive.
The tour took about an hour, with not too much walking involved, but anyone with mobility issues can be whisked about in a vehicle so nobody need miss out.
Aussie Ark had it's beginnings a decade ago as a safe haven to allow Tasmanian devils to breed away from their native habitat.
The devils were facing extinction due to deadly facial tumours spread by contact.
It was imperative to relocate the healthy animals so they could successfully advance the numbers of these unusual native Australian fauna.
Providing an environment conducive to breeding and free from feral species has been so successful that the team is now working their magic on other endangered marsupials, which also used to be in abundance in the local area.
These species have been carefully chosen because of their keystone roles in maintaining ecological balance.
Breeding areas for the animals replicate, as closely as possible, their natural habitat.
Eastern quolls and Tassie devils can be spotted housekeeping their burrows, while brush-tail rock wallabies enjoy sunning themselves on their towering rocky homes.
A striking feature of Aussie Ark is the efficiency of the project.
As there are limited funds available, and virtually no government support, every dollar from donations and sponsorship works hard to cover costs and pay for expansion of the park's infrastructure.
Fencing is especially designed for the task of keeping animal residents safe and it constitutes a major challenge to the purse-strings.
Land was donated by the Packer Family to establish the zoo, and an even larger area was provided subsequently.
The breeding program is managed by the Zoo and Aquarium Association, so animals are often sent between affiliated facilities to ensure the best genetics are preserved.
At a time when we are concerned about the preservation of our native animals following the devastating bushfires across Australia, this certainly is an inspiring place.