Cyclone in Yeppoon how you can help

Cyclone update: The ice-cream van that helped save animals

Cooberie Park Wildlife Sanctuary in Yeppoon is home to countless native animals – but was badly slammed by Cyclone Marcia.

The koalas and other animals were kept inside cyclone shelters, and will slowly be returned to their pens as soon as they are repaired.

One of the local inhabitants of the sanctuary

The park has asked locals to turn up with fruit or vegetables or food for the animals, and also called out for anyone who can assist with chainsaws, rakes, saws, axes, trailers and lend some muscle.

Damage at the sanctuary

But the real good news story comes via the Mr Mojo ice-cream van – its generator meant the bore could operate again, and bring much-needed water to the displaced animals. The park is a favourite for local families, and is home to kangaroos, koalas, crocodiles, parrots, lizards, snakes and dingos.