Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, Tasmania, Australia

When I embark on a cruise shore excursion, my heart is filled with a deep passion for exploring three things: culture, history, and wildlife. It’s this passion that drives me to seek out the most enriching experiences and share them with you.

When the Royal Princess arrived in Tasmania, I naturally gravitated toward an excursion offering a trip to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary.

Tasmania always makes me think of the Tasmanian Devil. I wanted to see one and a platypus.

I was in luck on one count. I saw the little devil with his distinctive white V across his chest close up as he hurried around his spacious enclosure.

At Bonorong, animals are rehabilitated and set free back into the wild. Those who cannot fend on their own can live the rest of their lives in the comfort of the sanctuary.

Take Fred, a 110-year-old Sulphur-crested cockatoo. Our guide said its owner raised him from a chick and asked if the sanctuary would care for him after the owner’s death. This spry bird greets guests and seems to enjoy the food laid out for him.

During the guided portion of my visit, I learned that many animals are unique to Tasmania. Some of these species no longer exist anywhere else. According to the website, “For others, Tasmania is a last refuge. They are the survivors of legions that once spanned a continent, but now this little island bobbing on the Southern Ocean is all they have left.”

The sanctuary is arranged in a large circle. I walked along the dirt path past free-roaming Forester kangaroos, Tawny frogmouths (owl-like birds), other native birds, a Pademelon, and the Tasmanian devils.

I spoke with the guide and asked if there was a platypus. She explained that the animal was elusive and not usually discovered needing additional care. She also said the platypus environment would be challenging to replicate to care for one.