NSW bushfires: Australian Reptile Park says they are ready to fight fires, evacuation plans in place
With the threat of bushfires far from over, The Australian Reptile Park say they are prepared and ready to fight.
Central Coast
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Koalas will be the first animals to be evacuated form The Australian Reptile Park when the bushfire threat ramps up.
The Somersby park says they are ready for the fire with evacuation plans in place.
While the Gospers Mountain bushfire has been downgraded to Advice level today, the threat is still hovering with the weather expected to heat up again in the coming days and no rain in sight.
The Reptile Park says they are working closely with the Rural Fire Service (RFS) and has been carrying out bushfire preparations since last week to protect the thousands of animals in their care.
“We are well prepared, highly organised and informed with dedicated staff, fire safety procedures and evacuation plans in place, if it comes to that,” Australian Reptile Park director Tim Faulkner said.
“If and when the fire threat comes too close, our top priority will be to relocate our koalas, then other animals in our care are categorised into evacuation phases.
“We are preparing to stay on site as long as required over the coming days as the risk of spot fires heightens.
“Thanks to incredible support and instruction from the RFS, we are confident in our decision in staying calm and not evacuating too early. Early detection of spot fires is the key as we have been informed by the RFS that we can defend our buildings.
“We appreciate the concern from the Central Coast community and thank everyone for their offerings to help out. Due to forewarnings from the RFS, we have been able to prepare adequately with staff on-call in addition to staff who are making preparations here at the Park.”
Across the highway, the Australian Walkabout Wildlife Park is in day four of its mass evacuation in response to the fire threat.
They are working on fire fighting equipment and finalising a safe place for the large kangaroos and emus.
For the animals that remain, including koalas, Tasmanian devils, snakes, bilbies and lizards, the park said they are keeping “their worlds as normal as possible”.