Owls at home

The pair of owlet-nightjars are enjoying their new surrondings. Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

BY JARROD McALEESE

PEARCEDALE’s Moonlit Sanctuary recently welcomed a couple of new additions – two Australian owlet-nightjars to join its wildlife park.
The duo arrived from Perth as part of the preserve’s three-pronged species selection criteria which focuses on housing local, threatened and educationally beneficial animals.
Director Michael Johnson said the sanctuary, particularly through its guided evening tours, aimed to provide people with a glimpse into the lives of night-time wildlife.
“We’re trying to show people animals that are found in our region they don’t see at daytime on our evening tours,” Johnson said.
And after resettling from the other side of the country, Johnson said the pair had made themselves right at home.
“They’ve settled in brilliantly, I was on a night tour with them and they were quite active. They quite enjoy themselves; they have a big aviary, they get to fly around and catch the insects there for them,” Johnson said.
Moonlit Sanctuary is open daily, and bookings are essential to secure places on their evening guided tours. For more information, visit http://www.moonlitsanctuary.com.au or call 5978 7935.