Guests and staff have had regular sightings at the world-class Emirates property – of two mature white albino wallaroos, as well as a baby albino joey spotted in its mother’s pouch. The sightings are considered rare given the high mortality rates across all types of albino species.
“We’ve had sightings of one mature albino wallaroo on the property since opening 18 months ago, but to have two more spotted on the property is incredibly rare and exciting for us and our guests,” said Joost Heymeijer, General Manager, Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa.
Occupying just two per cent of a 4,000-acre conservancy reserve, the secluded resort heralds a new era of luxury travel in the country, actively protecting its surrounding habitat and indigenous wildlife species while delivering the first-class standards and quality expected from luxury resorts.
“Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa has earned its credentials as a conservation-based resort due to it being fully integrated into its environment, supporting wide-ranging conservation practices and active in endangered species protection.
“Australia has the highest rate of mammal extinctions in the world and introduced feral predators such as cats, foxes and rabbits are the greatest threat to surviving species. These latest sightings of rare albino wallaroos further encourage us in our commitment to conservation,” said Heymeijer.
Prior to opening in October 2009, almost 40 kms of barbed wired fencing was removed from the property to decrease the number of wildlife being fatally snared while attempting to jump over or pass under the fence. In January 2009, the resort completed a trial feral-free zone covering a 50-hectare area to reduce the impact of feral animals on native fauna.
“The fact that Wolgan Valley has two mature albino wallaroos is proof that our conservation program to protect indigenous and endangered animals from feral predators is working. We believe our furry guests will be here to stay for quite some time,” concluded Heymeijer.
