Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

Ballarat Wildlife Park marks 40 year milestone

Ballarat Wildlife Park marks 40 year milestone
February 24, 2025

Ballarat Wildlife Park is celebrating 40 years since opening its gates in February 1985, marking its legacy as one of Australia's premier wildlife experiences.

Established by founder Greg Parker, the privately owned wildlife attraction has grown into a thriving sanctuary for over 300 animals, blending conservation, education and hands-on experiences to inspire a love for wildlife.

Commenting on the journey, Parker advised “it’s been a very quick 40 years. We’ve faced many challenges along the way, but we’ve built a beautiful animal collection that we’re incredibly proud of.

“Our team is fantastic, and we’ve created something truly special for both our animals and guests.”

Set across 10 hectares in Ballarat East, the park is renowned for its extensive collection of wildlife. It includes over 100 free-roaming kangaroos, Victoria’s largest colony of koalas in human care, exotic species like Sumatran and Siberian tiger and a comprehensive array of reptiles, featuring taipans, rattlesnakes and Komodo dragons.

The Park has also played a vital role in conservation, being the first privately owned facility to breed Tasmanian devils on the mainland and contributing to koala preservation efforts.

Explaining that the Park's core focus has always been hands-on education, Parker stated "if you let someone touch a snake, it can completely change their perception. People often say, ‘I didn’t know they felt like that!’ It’s about breaking down barriers and fostering a deeper connection with wildlife."

Over the years, the Park has attracted high-profile guests, including Hollywood stars Nicolas Cage and Jerry Lewis, reinforcing its reputation as a must-visit wildlife destination.

Parker noted “we’ve had so many interesting people visit over the years, and they always leave with a newfound appreciation for wildlife.

As it looks to the future, Ballarat Wildlife Park remains committed to maintaining an authentic world-class environment for its animals and guests, with Parker adding "we want to stay small but beautiful, providing five-star accommodation for our animals while continuing to educate and inspire. In today’s world, where so many people grow up in urban environments, it’s crucial to keep them connected to wildlife."

The 40-year milestone will be marked with a series of special events, interactive experiences, and behind-the-scenes tours, allowing guests to celebrate alongside the animals and dedicated staff who have made the Park a success.

Parker went on to say "we have always done as much conservation work as possible, and this anniversary is a great opportunity to reflect on our achievements and look ahead to an even brighter future."

Click here for more information on the 40th-anniversary celebrations on the Ballarat Wildlife Park website.

Images: Members of the Ballarat Wildlife Park team - with founder Greg Parker at centre - celebrate 40 years since the attraction opened its gates in February 1985 (top) and Greg Parker with Park resident Piggy the wombat (below).

Related Articles

5th November 2024 - Koalas transferred from wildlife attractions to Perth’s Yanchep National Park

28th August 2024 - Victorian Government announces funding for 29 regional attractions and tourism projects

18th July 2024 - Twin zoos and aquariums conferences to be held in Sydney

26th July 2024 - New Wildlife Hospital opens in Tasmania at Wing’s Wildlife Park

10th April 2024 - Input invited on new Territory Wildlife Park strategic plan

31st December 2023 - Birth of joeys at Cleland Wildlife Park spotlights success of innovative koala breeding program

18th October 2023 - Wollongong City Council partners with Symbio Wildlife Park to plant Koala Food Forest

28th September 2023 - Events contribute significantly to Ballarat’s economy

18th October 2022 - Australian Regional Tourism Convention delivers 10 surprising take-aways

29th August 2022 - Featherdale Wildlife Parks marks 50th anniversary

2nd January 2022 - Hunter Valley Zoo relaunched with Australian Wildlife Parks branding

16th July 2021 - Ballarat named Top Tourism Town in Victoria 

18th May 2021 - Coinvestor in Elanor Wildlife Park Fund increases stake in domestic tourism despite border closure

11th March 2021 - Federal Government’s tourism package includes six-month extension of Zoos and Aquarium program

6th May 2020 - New wildlife hospital nears completion for Mogo Wildlife Park

22nd August 2019 - Police investigate juvenile crocodile theft from Kimberley wildlife park

27th February 2013 - Ballarat Pass unites gold city attractions


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

HIDROPLAY

Hidroplay welcomes you to the exciting world of children's Playscapes, waterslide's and Water Attractions. Appealing to families, Hidroplay increases patronage in your facility during those…

read more

Aquatics / Play / Recreation

 
 

Chadson Engineering Pty Ltd

Australia’s leading manufacturer of horizontal and vertical media filters suited to all types of commercial pools, water playgrounds marine parks, aquaculture and zoos. They are an ideal…

read more

Aquatics / Technology / Waterparks

 
 

Goplay Commercial Playground Equipment

Goplay designs and manufactures specialised playground equipment for indoor play centres, hotels, food chains, clubs and resorts. If our years of experience and dedication have taught us one thing,…

read more

Play

 
 

iDwala Pty Ltd

iDwala is the Community Sports Facility Specialist offering the highest quality designs and technical expertise to Councils, Schools and Sporting Clubs looking to create sporting…

read more

Consultants / Design / Recreation / Sport / Surfaces

 
 

Myrtha Pools

Founded in 1961, Myrtha Pools® quickly became Italy’s première swimming pool company, and has since grown into one of the world's leading swimming pool construction…

read more

Aquatics / Design / Play / Waterparks / Wellness

 
 

Aussie Strength

Commercial gym equipment supplier Aussie Strength was wound up at the end of 2022.    .aussie p { padding:20px; }

read more

Fitness / Technology / Wellness

 
 

AIS Water

AIS Water, the trading name of Australian Innovative Systems, is a multi-award winning, Australian owned leader in the design, production and supply of commercial and residential chlorine generators…

read more

Aquatics / Safety / Technology

 
 

The Pool Enclosure Company

Now TPEC Pool Enclosures - see www.ausleisure.com.au/suppliers/tpec-pool-enclosures

read more

Aquatics / Design / Recreation / Venues

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business