New owners hope to continue the work of East Coast Natureworld

East Coast Natureworld has new owners and conservation and education is their goal.

The new owners of East Coast Natureworld in Bicheno with head zoo keeper Chris Freeman. Picture: SUPPLIED

CONSERVATION, education and animal welfare are the priorities of the new owners of East Coast Natureworld at Bicheno.

Jacqui and Steve Laning took over the long-running wildlife sanctuary last week.

“Steve and I are born and bred Tasmanians,” Mrs Laning said.

“We had always had a passion for the outdoors, wildlife and Tasmania’s beauty.”

Mrs Laning said it was the couple’s love of the coast, tourism and wildlife that drew them to East Coast Natureworld. They had previously worked in tourism in the Northern Territory and Western Australia.

Mrs Laning said her main priority in the venture was animal welfare and she said the park was run by “amazing, talented, caring staff”.

“We hope to continue partaking in the breeding programs for our endangered species and … expand conservation and education programs to other Aussie species.

“Natureworld displays a wide variety of native Tasmanian species and we hope to offer guests an opportunity to learn more about these fascinating animals.

“We hope that through some of the close interactions, visitors can take away an appreciation of our wildlife and an empowerment to conserve them for the future.”

Two litters of protected and endangered eastern quoll joeys were born at the park this year, as well as a litter of spotted tail quolls.

“Natureworld has had lots of success over the last few years with quoll breeding programs.

“As an endangered species the eastern quoll has struggled for survival against feral species, disease and habitat loss.”

The previous owner, Simon Plowright, a cinematographer and wildlife expert, sold the business in order to focus on film-making and his environmental consultation work.

“I’d been yearning to return to the wild again because that’s where I’ve always been,” he said.

Mr Plowright said there was no reason the new owners should not be “very successful”.

“[They] are taking on a pretty good business, and I’m sure they will only enhance it,” he said.

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