The Australian Reptile Park has launched a new Adopt an Animal promotion, with participants to go in a draw to win $5,000.
You can adopt some of the Park’s star animals, many of which have captured hearts not only in Australia, but worldwide, via social media.
Animals like Elsa the koala, Hope the wombat, Elvis the crocodile and Hugo the giant tortoise have amassed millions of video views online.
There are many animals to choose to adopt, including dingoes Adina and Fred, platypus Yaro, echidna Spike, quokka Coco and even Kraken the Komodo dragon.
Four levels of adoptions are available and the level purchased will determine the number of tickets going into the draw.
Adoptees will also receive a gift pack connecting them to their animal, which includes a photograph of the animal, a certificate of appreciation, a fact sheet on the species, curriculum based educational activity packs and tickets to the Australian Reptile Park, to be used when it reopens.
Since closing its door to visitors in late March due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Australian Reptile Park has made the leap into the cyber world through virtual tours, posting online educational videos and live streaming each day, to help keep those at home connected with nature while self-isolating.
The virtual experiences have seen massive success, with the videos and livestreams receiving a viewership of over two million people, and the Park’s social media platforms growing by over 100,000 followers in April alone.
The Animal Adoption program is seen as the next step for the organisation.
“Programs like our Animal Adoption program are important as they allow people to keep a connection with animals and nature in times when they are being asked to self-isolate,” Park Director, Tim Faulkner, said.
“Plus, it’s also really exciting to be in with a chance to win $5,000, or be able to donate the prize money to their favourite conservation organisation.
“The Australian Reptile Park has donated over $2,000,000 to wildlife conservation in the last decade and would be delighted to assist you in donating money to your favourite wildlife cause.
“This is our way of giving back to the community.
“Not only do our Animal Adoptions allow us to connect people with an animal, it also helps fund the important work that we do, including our conservation breeding programs, education programs, animal care, enrichment programs, broad scale conservation, as well as new and exciting developments for reopening.
“Programs like this can act as a conduit to nature when we are in lockdown, and facilitate a love of animals, for kids in particular.”
Bronze, silver, gold and platinum levels are available at prices ranging from $80 to $500.
Source: Media release, May 4, 2020 – Australian Reptile Park