Koala Sanctuary in Australia Cracks Global Top 10 Animal Encounters

Thailand’s Monkey Beach
Copyright: Shutterstock.com / Adcharin Chitthammachuk

Aussie icon rises among world’s most sought-after wildlife experiences

Wildlife Tourism Surges as Travellers Seek Connection with Nature

The world is falling in love with wild creatures all over again. As the trend of biophilia — the innate human desire to connect with nature — gains momentum, wildlife tourism is booming. Growing at an impressive rate of 5.2% annually, travellers are planning journeys not just for landscapes or luxury, but for the unforgettable chance to meet animals in their natural or protected habitats.

From flamingos in Tanzania to capybaras in Japan, the demand for intimate, ethical animal experiences is reshaping travel itineraries. But among these, one much-loved marsupial is stealing hearts — and searches — around the world.

Australia’s Koala Sanctuary Lands a Spot in the Global Top 10

In a new study commissioned by JR Pass ahead of World Nature Conservation Day (July 28), Australia's beloved koalas have found global fame. One of the country’s premier koala sanctuaries has cracked the list of the Top 10 Most Searched Animal Encounters Worldwide, putting Australia firmly on the map for nature lovers seeking soft fur and eucalyptus-scented cuddles.

The sanctuary’s appeal lies in its ability to blend conservation with accessibility. Visitors can observe and interact with koalas in a controlled, ethical environment that prioritises animal welfare and education. Many sanctuaries also double as rescue and rehabilitation centres, playing a vital role in safeguarding one of Australia’s most iconic but vulnerable species.

From Macaques to Flamingos: What the World is Searching For

So who else made the cut in this global roundup of must-see wildlife experiences?

Leading the charge with 68,000 monthly searches, Thailand’s Monkey Beach on Ko Phi Phi Don captures imaginations with long-tailed macaques roaming white sand shores. Its cinematic beauty (as featured in The Beach) and up-close monkey encounters have sparked more than 180,000 hashtags online.

Flamingos at Lake Natro 

Copyright: Shutterstock.com / Danita Delimon

Tanzania’s Lesser Flamingos at Lake Natron take second place, drawing 39,000 searches each month. The surreal scene of over a million pink birds crowding a toxic, alkaline lake during breeding season is unlike anything else on Earth — a pink tide of life in the harshest of environments.

In third, Portugal’s Azores Islands attract 26,000 monthly searches for their dolphin and whale watching experiences. With over 28 species frequenting these Atlantic waters, sightings are common, and tours are rooted in sustainable practices that support marine conservation.

America’s Swimming Ponies and Japan’s Bowing Deer

Nara Park’s bowing deer

Credit: Shutterstock.com / Brinlietravels

At number four, Assateague Island’s wild ponies in the USA continue to enchant. These hardy, feral horses roam beach dunes and swim across channels during the island’s famed annual pony swim, drawing tens of thousands of visitors and Instagram followers alike.

Rounding out the top five is Nara Park’s bowing deer in Japan. The Sika deer of Nara have adapted in delightful ways — bowing in exchange for crackers handed out by visitors. Revered as sacred messengers and protected as national treasures, these deer have become cultural icons in their own right.

Koalas: Cute, Cuddly and Critically Important

Australia’s koalas are not just tourism drawcards — they’re conservation ambassadors. Listed as endangered in parts of the country, koalas face challenges from habitat loss, bushfires and disease. Sanctuaries offer hope, not only by protecting existing populations, but by educating visitors on what’s needed to keep koalas thriving for generations to come.

Whether you're travelling solo or with family, visiting a koala sanctuary offers a chance to slow down and share a quiet moment with these gentle creatures. For many, that connection is the true reward of travel.

Ready to Meet the World’s Most Beloved Wildlife?

From snow monkeys to sacred deer, from ocean giants to native Aussie icons, the world is full of incredible animal experiences waiting to be discovered. Just remember to seek out ethical tours and support sanctuaries that put wildlife first.

The 10 most sought out majestic animal experiences in 2025

Rank	Animal	Location	Country	Instagram Hashtags	Global Monthly Search Volume
1	Long-tailed Macaques	Monkey beach	Thailand, Ko Phi Phi Don	182,000	68,000
2	Lesser Flamingos	Lake Natron	Tanzania	18,900	39,000
3	Dolphins and Whales	The Azores	Portugal	93,900	26,000
4	Feral Ponies	Assateague Island	United States, Virginia	123,000	26,000
5	Sika Deer	Nara Deer Park	Japan	78,000	25,000
6	Cats	Cat Island (Tashirojima)	Japan	70,300	21,200
7	Pigs	Pig Beach (Big Major Cay)	Bahamas	45,000	21,000
8	Koalas	Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary	Australia	65,400	21,000
9	Butterflies	Butterfly World	United States, Texas	6,012	20,800
10	Capybara	Capybara Onsen (Nagasaki Biopark)	Japan	12,100	7,000

Study Source: Commissioned by JR Pass

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