WAIKERIE’S animal park upgrades are fully under way, with the water feature installed and ready for landscaping as volunteers and co-ordinators work hard to beautify the area for visitors.
The main component of the upgrades – a water feature – has been placed in the ground and landscaping around the ponds will begin soon.
Fauna park spokesperson Sonia Fowler said local gardener/landscape builder Lester Lawrie has installed the ponds and will be working on the irrigation.
“Karen Leske designed the water feature, which will include kangaroo and emu statues – our coat of arms – as well as a number of boulders and shrubbery placed around the area,” she said.
“The shrubbery is being propagated by members of the Waikerie Men’s Shed, who have kindly donated all the bushes to us.”
The water feature is comprised of three ponds, a low waterfall, and shrubbery which will be covered by mesh to stop the animals eating it.
Once the irrigation and water feature installation is completed, work will begin on the fence surrounding the enclosure.
Ms Fowler said more salt bush shrubbery will be placed around the back of the fence, which will be covered by shade cloth.
“The Men’s Shed has propagated a number of native salt bushes for our use, and we’re looking at where exactly to place them now,” she said.
“Woody’s Variety Store has also donated some fairy lights that we’re going to place around the kangaroo slippery dip – but only the top half, as the emu could damage any in its reach.”
While a roster of volunteer animal feeders has been created, Ms Fowler said they are hoping to draw more volunteers to help out.
“It’s very easy work – we just need some more help with the feeding, which doesn’t take long to do,” she said.
“If anyone wants to help out, please contact the Loxton Waikerie council. Induction is easy and we can help you fill out a physical form if you’re unable to access it online.”