Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is asking the public to share old photographs, memorabilia and memories as it prepares to celebrate its 100th birthday in 2027.
The Brisbane sanctuary, which opened in 1927 with just two koalas named Jack and Jill, is searching for records from the 1930s to the 1960s to fill gaps in its historical archives.
“We’ve enjoyed going through our archives, but we have discovered a gap. We have records of Lone Pine from the early days and from the 1970s onwards, but there is very little covering the 1930s to 60s. We’d love to find memorabilia of this era before our 100th birthday,” said Lone Pine general manager Lyndon Discombe.
The sanctuary is seeking photographs, personal stories and other memorabilia that document its place in Queensland’s history.
“We’re hoping there might be somebody out there with a memory or photos of visiting in those decades, and we’d love to see them,” Discombe said.
Lone Pine was established by conservationist Claude Reid and named after a large hoop pine at the property’s entrance. The tree was planted by Daniel Clarkson in 1867, when the land was used as a cotton farm.
Today, the sanctuary is home to hundreds of native Australian animals, including more than 100 koalas, and focuses on wildlife care, conservation and education.
“We’ve come a long way since visitors were greeted by a koala on the back of a German Shepherd to be now regarded as a leading force in conservation and wildlife education,” Discombe said.
“Very few places in Australia can say they’ve been welcoming visitors for a century and that’s why this celebration is bigger than just us. It belongs to everyone who’s ever walked through our gates, which is why we want their memories to be part of the story too.”
People can submit photographs and memories through the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary centenary website.
Image: Supplied
