Is the experience suitable for children?

Yes, the Cassowary Experience is family-friendly and offers opportunities for children to learn about wildlife.

Can I hand-feed Gloria?

Yes, with supervision and guidance from the park staff, you can hand-feed Gloria during your visit.

Are reservations required?

Yes, bookings are recommended to secure your spot for this exclusive experience.

How long does the experience last?

The session typically lasts between 1 to 2 hours, including interaction time.

Is there any special attire recommended?

Wearing comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing is advised, especially sturdy shoes.

Are there other animals I can see?

Yes, the park is home to a variety of native wildlife, including koalas and wallabies.

Cassowary Experience | Zoo in Grantville |

The Cassowary Experience at Maru Koala and Animal Park offers an unparalleled glance into the life of one of Australia's most striking and enigmatic birds. Located in a lush, natural setting, this park is renowned for its commitment to conservation and animal education. The experience centers on Gloria, a Southern Cassowary known for her impressive stature, vivid blue neck, and helmet-like casque. Visitors get an exclusive chance to step behind the scenes, where a private training area usually reserved for keepers transforms into a personal interaction space. Here, you'll observe Gloria's daily routines and participate in a hands-on feedings, creating moments that are as intimate as they are memorable. What sets this experience apart is its focus on detailed conservation efforts and the chance to learn about the cassowary’s vital role in the rainforest ecosystem. The park is situated in a region teeming with biodiversity, and encounters like this one deepen appreciation for Australia’s unique fauna. Alongside Gloria, guests can often spot other native species, making this a true habitat immersion. The park’s dedicated staff share engaging stories about cassowary behavior, habitat preservation, and ongoing conservation projects, transforming a simple visit into a meaningful encounter with wildlife. Visiting the park isn’t just about a photo op; it’s an educational journey that emphasizes the importance of protecting these endangered birds and their environments. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast or seeking a family-friendly adventure, the Cassowary Experience provides an authentic, up-close view of rainforest wildlife in a carefully managed and ethical setting. This destination remains a standout attraction within the local eco-tourism scene, offering a rare opportunity to connect with nature in a responsible way that honors the natural behaviors and habitats of these incredible creatures.

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

1–2 hours.

Fitness level

Suitable for all fitness levels, with brief walking involved

Wildlife

Cassowaries
Tree-kangaroos

History

The park has been a part of local conservation efforts since the 1980s, focusing on habitat restoration.

Conservation

The park actively participates in breeding programs and habitat protection to support vulnerable native species.

Maru Koala and Animal Park in Grantville, Victoria, is a wildlife park offering hands-on animal encounters, keeper-led experiences, and family attractions. The park features a range of wildlife interactions including koalas, quokkas, gliders, cassowaries, pythons, shingleback and blue-tongue lizards, echidnas and dingoes. Visitors can book focused experiences such as Meet a Koala, Koala Feeding Experience, Quokka Experience (limited to four participants daily), Glider Experience, Cassowary Experience and Meet a Snake or Meet a Lizard sessions. Maru also hosts specialist activities and events: an Animal Enrichment Workshop for teenagers that includes a catered lunch and supervised creation of enrichment items; Maru Birthday Party packages with exclusive park access and mini-golf; and general admission options like Maru Entry Ticket and Maru Entry Voucher. Pirate Pete's Mini-Golf and the Homestead Bistro are on-site, and the Koala Feeding Experience includes a complimentary scone and drink at the Homestead Bistro. Keeper-led sessions take place in dedicated viewing or private areas, offering close observation of animal training and behaviour under staff supervision. The park emphasises education and conservation messaging through guided encounters with keepers. All visitor experiences are scheduled and require booking to manage animal welfare and participant numbers. Maru Koala and Animal Park serves visitors to Gippsland and wider Victoria seeking authentic Australian wildlife encounters in a controlled, keeper-supervised setting. Many experiences include photography opportunities, with the Meet a Koala offering unlimited photos during the session. The Cassowary Experience takes place in a private keeper area and can include close observation and possible hand-feeding safely.

Base locationGrantville, Victoria

Tours offered15+

Specialtywildlife-nature

StewardshipLeave No Trace