Special thanks is given to Nigel Foster, who's invaluable help enabled me to put the information and websites onto this site.

AUSTRALIA

CANBERRA

National Zoo and Aquarium

www.zooaquarium.com.au .

NEW SOUTH WALES

Australian Reptile Park

Blue Gum Farm Zoo (CLOSED)

 Attention! This park is now shut down and is not functional.

"Very creative and diverse, this cool entertainment park in the Sydney metropolitan area is not just an animal farm or a small zoo. In addition it offers activities such as mini-monorail, mini-train and flying fox rides, gator rides, and animal shows including camel rides, free range kangaroos which you can approach and feed, koalas display and many other attractions for both adults and kids. Close to the City; ample parking." - An article that can be found at www.sydneymate.com/travel_sydney_australia/Placesofinterest/bluegumfarm/sydney_picture.htm . This site also has pictures taken within the farm.

Coff's Harbour Butterfly House

Stroll among hundreds of live butterflies in our all weather indoor rainforest setting. Share the world of the butterfly as they fly, court, mate, sip nectar or rest in the light showing off their fascinating colours and patterns.

Our outdoor maze area will have you hunting for clues to answer our quiz. The colour maze will have all members of your family trying to work out the levels of difficulty.

A memento of your visit, a gift for a special friend or a butterfly bargain can be found in the souvenir shop. A display of woodturning for the discerning craft buyer is also available.

Our garden room provides a beautiful setting to relax in and indulge in lovely homemade morning or afternoon teas or light lunches.

www.butterflyhouse.com.au . 

Coff's Harbour Zoo

Ettamogah Wildlife Sanctuary

Fairfield City Farm (Previously called Calmsley City Farm)

Featherdale Wildlife Park

Koala Park Sanctuary

Koala Park was created in the 1920's and officially opened in October of 1930 by the founder Noel Burnet. He became alarmed at the high numbers of koalas shot for the large export fur trade. He feared that if such harsh treatment was allowed to continue, this lovable and unique animal would disappear from the face of the earth forever. From that time on he spent his whole life fighting to protect, research and create a safe environment in which they could live and breed naturally.

http://www.koalaparksanctuary.com.au/

Nigel's view: This is a pretty , but over rated and overpriced animal park which is poular with Japanese tour groups and the like . Compared to Featherdale it is half the size , half the variety of animals on view , more expensive , and you get to hold a koala for a lot less time . But if you are on a bus tour seeing numerous sights in one trip , you will more than likely to be taken here . 

Marine Discovery Centre

www.marinediscovery.org.au .

Mogo Zoo

Over 14 years ago Bill and Sally Padey, together with their small collection of buffalo, pheasants, peacocks, deer and kangaroo, began to welcome visitors to the then named Somerset Wildlife Sanctuary. Their dream was to develop the Sanctuary into an animal park which made a difference to the conservation of threatened species and would maintain high standards of animal welfare.

Bill and Sally’s determination led them to Sydney’s Taronga Zoo where they completed training in the husbandry and management of carnivores and primates. This helped to secure the trust of major Zoos and eventually surplus animals including Pumas, Servals and Crabeater Macaque Monkeys were on exhibit at Mogo Zoo.

The Sanctuary was officially opened on 17 November 1991, and in 1992 the ‘Zoo at Mogo’, was renamed Mogo Zoo.

During the early years of establishment Bill and Sally’s drive to succeed was greatly supported by the local community. Individuals and businesses alike had great faith in them and believed in their vision to bring a successful Zoo to the South Coast.

Mogo Zoo has been recognised internationally through its conservation work with Resources Nepal regarding the Red Panda, and has also supported Indonesian Zoos which house Sumatran Tigers.

In 1997 Mogo Zoo showed its compassion for all animals when it worked with the RSPCA to provide a magnificent new home for two Jaguars and two Tigers who had been acquired from a private collection.

A further testament to the Zoo’s good work was seen when two Snow Leopard cubs were born at Mogo Zoo in 1999. Snow Leopards are notoriously hard to breed and these were the first to be born in the Australasian region for over a decade. In 2003 another two were born.

Mogo Zoo has caught the eye of local and regional media and we are now recognised as a major tourist attraction on the South Coast of New South Wales.

Planning continues for further expansion and our future holds many exciting developments.

National Aquarium & Wildlife Park

Oak Vale Farm

For 25 years Oakvale Farm and Fauna World has been a fun and educational experience for the young and the young at heart. During this time, over 2 million visitors have been entertained and educated by our wide range of native wildlife and farm animals. We have a great understanding of the need to keep animals in their natural environments. Our friendly farm animals and fauna roam freely about the huge park.

www.oakvalefarm.com.au

Oceanworld Manly

Pet Porpoise Zoo

Sydney Aquarium

http://www.sydneyaquarium.com.au/default.asp see comments on Zoobeat Forum

Symbio Wildlife Gardens

Current Map.

Taronga Zoo

The first public zoo in NSW officially opened in Sydney in 1884 on a site known as Billy Goat Swamp in Moore Park, operated by the Zoological Society of NSW which was founded in March 1879.

After a visit to Germany in 1908 the elected Secretary of the zoo, Albert Sherbourne Le Souef, returned with a vision for a new Sydney zoo, based on the bar-less exhibits of Hamburg Zoo. The site at Moore Park had become too small and was not suited to the vision. A new site for the zoo was sought. On April 24th, 1912 the NSW Government granted 43 acres of land north of the harbour which were part of Ashton Park. Another 9 acres were granted in April 1916.   In 1913, Management of the zoo passed to a Trust named the New Zoological Gardens Trust which became the Taronga Zoological Park Trust.   The first exhibits to be built were the seal ponds, elephant temple, monkey pits, top entrance, aviaries, paths and roadways and the refreshment rooms. In all, 228 mammals, 552 birds and 64 reptiles were moved from Moore Park to Taronga. Many, including the elephants, crossed the harbour on board a flat top barge.   Taronga Zoo was officially opened on October 7th, 1916.   New exhibits and facilities were developed over time. The Giraffe House was completed in 1923, the Aquarium in 1927, Floral Clock in 1928, Tahr Mountain in 1932 and the Tiger Pits in 1939. Under the directorship of Edward Hallstrom in the 1940’s . 1960’s several new exhibits were built including those for larger cats, koalas, apes and gorillas.   After a critical review in 1967, a new era in the style and philosophy for the operation of Taronga began which reflected the new emphasis on scientific research, conservation and education. Many new exhibits were built starting with the Platypus and Nocturnal Houses, waterfowl ponds and walkthrough Rainforest Aviary. A Veterinary Quarantine Centre was built as was an Education Centre (funded by the Department of Education). Previous attractions such as elephant rides, miniature trains, monkey circus and merry-go-round gave way to educational facilities such as Friendship Farm and Seal theatre.   In June 1973 a new Zoological Parks Board Act of NSW was enacted replacing the Trust with the Zoological Parks Board of NSW.   Recent history has seen the Board further develop its research, conservation and education activities. Joint research projects are being undertaken with a number of institutions.   In its long history, Taronga Zoo has only been closed twice. Once from August 8th to October 26th 1917 when the site was used to house labourers employed on the Sydney wharves during the transport strike and once on Australia Day 1988 to commemorate Australia’s Bicentenary.

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

Wagga Wagga City Council Zoo

Waratah Park

Wellington Caves

Western Plains Zoo

In the late 1960’s, plans to develop a large plains zoo to complement Sydney’s Taronga Zoo were established. The new zoo would provide breeding facilities particularly suited to the large plains dwelling

animals and to fulfil a need for an open range facility for the display of mainly grazing animals. After considerable planning and preparation, a site on the outskirts of Dubbo in central West New South Wales was chosen. Formerly an army camp during World War Two, the site was transformed into a 300 hectare oasis of woodland and irrigated grassland. Western Plains Zoo opened to the public on 28th February 1977 and was the first zoo in Australia to be constructed on the open range principle. It was also the first zoo to be built in Australia in 60 years. When the Zoo opened, it contained 35 different animals from six countries. Today visitors can see over 1,000 different animals from five continents of the world. Since opening, the Zoo has developed a reputation as a world-renowned centre for its care of wildlife, breeding programs (especially of endangered species), conservation programs, education facilities and exhibits. It is now widely recognised as Australia’s greatest open plain zoo. The Zoo is an open-range design, with walls and fences replaced by concealed moats which divide the animals from the visitors. This creates the impression of actually being with the animals in the wild. Western Plains Zoo has also become recognised as a major tourist attraction both within New South Wales and in Australia. In 1994 Western Plains Zoo was awarded as the Best Major Tourist Attraction, the highest honour in Australian Tourism. Western Plains Zoo provides much more than animal displays, it is a place to come and relax and enjoy the atmosphere. It is also an education centre, a research centre and a wildlife conservation and preservation centre for species from throughout the world. It is really much more than a zoo.

www.zoo.nsw.gov.au .

See Taronga Zoo

Wonderland

QUEENSLAND

Alma Park Zoo

Established in 1969 as a native animal sanctuary, Alma Park became a registered zoo in 1973 with the arrival of exotic animals . The zoo was taken over by an animal loving family in 1981 and has since undergone extensive redevelopment to improve conditions for the animals. We depend on the support of the public to continue this work

Aussie Country

The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary

The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary's 3666 cubic metre aviary is home to over 1500 magnificent tropical butterflies, all local to the area, including the electric blue Ulysses butterfly and the largest butterfly in Australia, the Cairns or Australian Birdwing.

The aviary was opened in 1987 and has been visited by over a million people since.
The butterfly's beguiling aerial dances and their tendency to land on brightly coloured clothing, has inspired and delighted young and old alike.

The aviary, and the garden within it, took three years to design, build and landscape. At the time of opening in 1987, the sanctuary gained a place in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest butterfly aviary in the world. To date it still holds the record as the largest aviary in the southern hemisphere.

Whilst living in Malaysia ,Paul Wright, who still owns and operates the sanctuary, was fascinated by the diversity of the tropical butterflies there, albeit that they were never seen often or for long enough. Knowing that a glimpse of these creatures lightens the hearts of all, he had a dream to create an environment where there was opportunity to experience these creatures in all their gracefulness and glory.

On visiting Kuranda in 1968, Paul became acquainted with the locals, people and butterflies alike, and realised that the diversity and beauty of north Queensland tropical butterflies was equal to all those he had seen in Malaysia.

Situated just 27 Km west of Cairns, Kuranda offered the advantages of being readily accessible to people, as well as easy living for the butterflies, it already being their natural habitat. The sanctuary was designed with the concept of it being a self sustaining operation, hence allowance was made for all food plants to feed the caterpillars to be grown on the premises.

Visit the website at: www.australianbutterflies.com .

Australia Zoo

The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary

http://www.australianbutterflies.com/      Aust. butterflies ( Cairns )

The Aviary, Kuranda Zoological Gardens

A private zoo, displaying Australian birds, Snakes ( Pythons ), Frogs and Crocodiles ( Fresh Water )

Billabong Sanctuary

Cairns Tropical Zoo

Current map of the zoo.

Established in 1980, Cairns Tropical Zoo is the largest and most diverse wildlife attraction in Tropical North Queensland and is set amidst six hectares of tropically landscaped gardens. Locally owned and operated, our zoo is home to hundreds of native and exotic species, many of which are indigenous to our northern wet tropics.

Cairns Tropical Zoo has broken the mould of traditional zoos by creating opportunities for you, the visitor, to interact with our animals. There are numerous opportunities during the day to get close, touch, feel and make some new animal friends. Our philosophy is that personal interaction with animals encourages a greater understanding of native wildlife and promotes the need to preserve their natural habitats.

Cairns Tropical Zoo is part of the Freeman Family owned and operated Wildlife Tropical North Queensland Group. Other wildlife experiences under this banner include Cairns Night Zoo, Kuranda Koala Gardens and Hartley's Crocodile Adventures.

Visit the website at: www.wildworld-aus.com.au .

Carrumbin Sanctuary

Established for over 55 years, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is the Gold Coast's longest running attraction. Like many great achievements, it began almost by accident.

Founder Alex Griffiths was a keen bee keeper and flower grower who began feeding the local lorikeets his own nectar blend in an attempt to distract them from his flowers. The lorikeet feedings proved extremely popular with the general public and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary continued to flourish, steadily growing to its current position as a world class attraction and respected conservation-based facility.

In 1976 Alex Griffiths donated the Sanctuary to the National Trust of Queensland - a non-profit, non-political organisation committed to conserving, developing and promoting Australia's natural heritage. It aims to ensure Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is recognised worldwide as a permanent institution dedicated to the preservation and presentation of Australian native fauna and flora.

Today the traditional feeding of the wild lorikeets continues but Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has grown immensely. A full range of exhibits, breeding aviaries and activities are available to visitors daily.

Daisy Hill Koala Centre

Dreamworld

Fleays Fauna Centre

Gondwana Wildlife Sanctuary

Hartley's Creek Crocodile Farm

Kuranda Zoo

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Mareeba Wetlands

The Mareeba Tropical Savanna and Wetland Reserve was conceived in 1994 to use water leftover after passage through the channel system of the Mareeba Dimbulah Irrigation Area. Originally earmarked for development for sugar cane, the reserve was found to have significant environmental constraints, due to its complex soils and geological composition and the risk of downstream salination. The decision to put a halt to the agricultural development was followed by in depth environmental investigations carried out over a more than 5 year period.

At that point, the Mareeba Wetland Foundation, a not for profit organization recognised by Environment Australia, put forward an alternative development scenario based on this wealth of existing environmental data. This scenario inspired by Foundation founder and figurehead Tim Nevard, envisaged the creation of a series of gravity-fed wetlands that would be set within the tropical savanna, thereby creating a 5000 acre Reserve of significant regional biodiversity value. This, in turn, would allow visitors and local people to experience a tropical ecosystem totally different from the reef, coastal and rainforest environments and still within one hour of Cairns International Airport.

The concept was put to the regional selection panel (consisting of all levels of government, business and peak environmental bodies) of the Regional Infrastructure Development Program and put forward to Canberra. The government, led by some heavy lobbying by Warren Entsch, adopted the project and granted staged funding for $1.45 million. And so began the ‘million dollar duck pond’!

Visit the website at: www.mareebawetlands.com .

Marineland Of Hamilton Island

 Marineland at Hamilton Island . I couldnt find any website -- i suspect that it is no longer operating

Neptune's Marine Aquarium

Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary

Constructed in 1988 on previously low yield agricultural land, the Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary covers over two hectares. With two of the four environments covered by specially designed cyclone proof shade cloth and two open-air exhibits, guests become an insignificant observer amidst the intricate performance of wildlife. Boardwalks intertwine through the canopy and rainforest floor of these environments, providing an exhilarating and educating journey for all.

 Today the Rainforest Habitat is Australia's leading environmental wildlife park, and boasting over 1600 animals, contains the largest collection in immersion exhibits. Informative guided tours, experiential displays and immersion exhibits provide an experience found nowhere else.

http://www.rainforesthabitat.com.au/ Rainforest habitat wildlife sanctuary is at port Douglas , North of Cairns  

Reef HQ

Reef HQ was the brainchild of Dr. Graeme Kelleher, a former chairperson of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, who wanted to create an example of the Great Barrier Reef on land. Making the reef accessible to everybody at a low cost and thereby gain community support for the protection of “the real thing”. Today, over 100 000 visitors come to Reef HQ each year to get up close and personal with the reef, while staying dry.

Reef HQ is the world’s largest living coral reef aquarium and is a must see attraction in the Townsville region. Reef HQ was built as a Bicentennial Commemorative project and opened in Townsville on 24th June 1987.

Keeping aquatic creatures in captivity is not an easy task. The primary requirement in the design and construction of Reef HQ was to replicate, as close as possible all the environmental conditions that could be found on a coral reef.

Water quality is central to the success of Reef HQ. From the smallest display tank to the massive coral reef exhibit, the aim is the same to create and maintain a suitable environment for the inhabitants. Factors that are closely monitored are:

• Light
• Temperature
• Salinity
• Oxygen
• PH
• Nutrients

The making of the coral reef exhibit began with the construction of a 38 metre long, 17 metre wide and 5 metre deep concrete basin, which was specified to withstand corrosion for at least 50 years. Major experiments using different water-cement mixes and additives were carried out with the Australian Cement and Concrete Association prior to construction, to come up with the perfect mix, thereby greatly expanding the existing technology in the process. To eliminate cracking of the concrete, another technique was used for the very first time in Townsville liquid nitrogen was added to the cement in the trucks before delivery to keep the cement cool enough, which helped minimising cracking during the curing process.

A recipe for a reef:  Diver places limestone rocks
for coral reef

It was estimated that around 200 tonnes of sand and 700 tonnes of coral substrate were needed to build a suitable foundation for a coral reef system of this size. Sourcing these quantities proved to be one of the major challenges of this project since mining and extraction of minerals of any kind are strictly prohibited in the Marine Park. Permits were issued that allowed for the collection of sand from the large Flinders Reef lagoon in the Coral Sea  260 kilometres offshore. Using an ocean going barge with a crane operated lift bucket, the sand was collected from about 8 metre depth, all large benthic organisms recovered and returned to the lagoon floor and the sand finally transported to the aquarium to provide a seabed of about 50 centimetres.

Obtaining 700 tonnes of coral rock appeared to be much more difficult, but luck was on our side when a stockpile of large coral rocks was discovered on Hayman Island, where it had been excavated above the low water mark some years earlier for a harbour development. Once the rocks were shipped to Townsville, they were scrubbed vigorously to remove any resident lizards, spiders and insects that had made the rocks their home.

The rocks were sea-scaped to built a typical mid-shelf reef including a reef front, algal crest, back reef slope, lagoon and bommies, consistent with the light conditions (shading of walls) and desired wave and water circulation patterns.

The final ingredient of the “recipe for a reef” were 2.5 million litres of seawater, which were shipped in from Myrmidon Reef, one of the most amazing outer shelf reefs of the Great Barrier Reef. To make matters slightly more complicated, more than 20 voyages to the outer reef had to be made, since 200 000 litres was the maximum capacity that could be barged in at any one time.

Primarily, water motion is created by a pneumatic wave machine at the opposite end of the viewing tunnel. This wave machine consists of two large chambers which are alternately pressurised and depressurised and thereby create a progressing wave. The wave machine is capable of producing waves of 2 m height. Much less dramatic, but much more effective our wave height is typically 50 to 75 centimetres, with a period of 2 to 8 seconds.

To create sufficient currents in the many smaller niches of the Coral Reef Exhibit, small water circulators are used, providing currents desired by corals of 8 to 30 centimetres per second.

http://www.reefhq.com.au/ Reef HQ is in Townsville

Rockhampton Zoo

http://www.rockhampton.qld.gov.au/rockhampton-zoo.asp?sm=25 this zoo is owned/operated by the Rockhampton City Council , and is in the botanical gardens

Sea World Gold Coast

http://www.seaworld.com.au/home/homepage.cfm in the Gold Coast 

Undersea World Cairns

Underwater World

http://www.underwaterworld.com.au/ is in Sunshine Coast -- north of Brisbane

Wild World

Wonderland Aquarium

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Adelaide Zoo

Adelaide Zoo was opened to the public on 23rd May 1883 and was established at a time of great resurgence and interest in natural history. All Australian zoos reflected this trend and were modelled on the major European zoos of that time, particularly, Regents Park Zoo in London.

The Adelaide Zoo was originally constructed on 6.5 hectares of the Botanic Park and now occupies 8 hectares and is situated within a 15 minute walk of the City of Adelaide.

Adelaide Zoo is owned and operated by the Royal Zoological Society of South Australia. In 1878 the Acclimatisation Society of SA was formed. In 1881 it became the SA Acclimatisation and Zoological Society and the government granted land for a Zoological Gardens on 16 acres (six hectares) of land obtained from the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide. In 1882 the name changed to SA Zoological and Acclimatisation Society and Adelaide Zoo opened in 1883. In 1937, King George VI granted the Society a Royal Charter to celebrate the Society’s Diamond Jubilee. With it came the right to use the prefix ‘Royal’ and the opportunity was taken to remove ‘Acclimatisation’ from the title.

The Zoo is the second oldest zoo in the nation and represents a significant and important part of South Australia’s heritage and social history. It is unique among Australian zoos as it has retained many original and significant architectural features giving it a style and character all its own.

Five structures are listed on the Register of State Heritage Items and the City of Adelaide’s Register of Heritage Items.

The Elephant House Built in 1900 and reflecting a uniquely ‘Victorian’ approach to housing zoo animals, namely in a building style symbolic of their place of origin. The ‘Indian-style’ temple is architecturally unique in South Australia.

Head Keeper’s Cottage Built in 1883, the original keeper’s residence and one of the earliest structures at the Zoo.

The Main Gates and Entrance Walls Built in 1883 and the principal public entrance of the Zoo. They reflect a distinctive decorative masonry pattern typical of Victorian architecture.

The Rotunda Built in 1884 and presented as a gift by Sir Thomas Elder as a venue for public entertainment. It is believed to be the largest of this kind in South Australia.

The Directors Dwelling (now Minchin House) Built in 1887 Minchin House was formerly the residence of the directors of Adelaide Zoo until the 1970s and currently houses the Society administration. In 2004 the house was renamed Minchin House to recognise the long association between the Minchin Family and Adelaide Zoo. R E Minchin was the first Director of the Adelaide Zoo (1882 to 1893). He was followed by his son and grandson, giving a total of over 61 years to 1946.

The National Trust of South Australia lists the Rotunda and the Elephant House as Classified. The Directors Residence, main gates, piers and walls and the Head Keepers lodge are on the Recorded list, and the Guinea Pig Cottages and Lyrebird Cafe (originally the Monkey House) are listed on file.

Adelaide Zoo leads the way in exhibit design but some of its original animal enclosures, while not occupied, have been retained to reflect past eras. The two most prominent examples are the Elephant House, and the Nile Hippopotamus House which features a motif on the front depicting the sun rising over the River Nile, flanked by two Egyptian geese.

The zoo is also a botanic garden, and the magnificent landscaping is the result of more than 125 years of care and attention. The original park layout can still be determined. There are many significant exotic and Australian trees in the gardens, including a superb Moreton Bay Fig near Minchin House, planted in 1877 before the establishment of the zoo. Many of the trees are identified with their botanic names. This emphasis on botany reflects the changing role of the zoo.

While the Zoo is proud of its heritage, it is also a modern zoo. Adelaide Zoo is one of the leaders in Australia in enclosure design and new developments provide a vision of the future. 

Current map of the zoo.

http://www.adelaidezoo.com.au/ also is the website for Monarto Zoo

Cleland Wildlife Park

Cleland Conservation Park has been a protective haven for native flora and fauna since 1963, but the impacts of a long history of timber felling and agriculture are still evident in the Park. Many large forest trees were logged from the 1830s, leaving a network of trails used to haul timber down to the city. Farming activities included sheep and cattle grazing, which resulted in significant erosion, and many of the lower slopes were cleared for market gardens, vineyards and olive groves.

There had been some protection of the areas of Waterfall Gully and Mt Lofty Summit (50Kb PDF) by the National Pleasure Resorts' Advisory Board since 1912, but it was not until 1945, when the South Australian Government purchased the land at public auction, that the remaining area received some level of protection, thanks to 20 years of lobbying by Sir John Cleland.

In 1963, the land transferred to the National Parks Commission. It became Cleland Conservation Park in the 1970s, when the land surrounding Waterfall Gully and Mt Lofty Summit were added to the reserve.

The Kaurna Aboriginal people of the Adelaide Plains know the area as Yurridla. Their Dreaming stories tell of Yurrebilla, the creator ancestor of the Kaurna people. His fallen body forms the Mt Lofty Ranges, with his ears being the twin peaks of Mt Lofty and Mt Bonython. Today, the spirit of Yurrebilla looks down from the hills and protects all forms of life along the plains.

Gorge Wildlife Park

Not your average wildlife park. This is a place where animals and people interract.

The Gorge Wildlife Park opened in 1965 and is family owned and operated.

You can see all the usual Aussie animals as well as non-native exotics such as: Leopards, Cougars, Alligators and monkeys.

http://www.gorgewildlifepark.com.au/index.html Gorge wildlife park

Marine Discovery Centre

Monarta Zoological Park

Monarto started off in 1983 as a closed special purpose breeding area. It is now an International standard conservation, national and zoological bio-park that supports education and public recreation.

The Park is operated by the Royal Zoological Society of South Australia which has developed over 1,000 hectares of fauna and flora sanctuary and open range zoological park.

Five major habitat exhibits have been developed, including the Asian Steppes, arid North Africa, African plains and Asian grasslands, as the first stage of development at Monarto.

The second stage currently being implemented includes habitats for the Cheetah, African Dog, African Lion and Black Rhino.

http://www.adelaidezoo.com.au/ also is the website for Monarto Zoo

Moonta Wildlife Park

In a unique setting at Moonta Bay, The Moonta Wildlife park displays a large range of Australian Native Birds, Animals, Reptiles and Flora.
Seven hectares of farmland was purchased in 1990, since then thousand's of trees have been planted, kilometres of fencing has been put up, enclosures and sheds erected, dams dug, aviaries built and it's still not finished (to be honest I don't think it ever will be). There will always be new animals to house and upgrading to be done, all in view of making our park a greater place to visit.

Whyalla Wildlife & Reptile Sanctuary

TASMANIA

Bonorong Wildlife Park

East Coast Natureworld

Why not come on in and meet our family.  We have Tasmanian Devils, Koalas, Tiger snakes, Eagles, Wombats, Possums, Owls, Pelicans, Cape Barren Geese, Native Hens, Swans,    Kangaroos, Wallabies, Deer and many, many others.

Visit the website at: www.natureworld.com.au .

Launceston Lakes and Wildlife Park

The Launceston Wildlife Park was opened March 2003, designed and built by Dick Warren current owner fully private and self funded.

The wildlife Park is sent in Natural Bush surroundings on approx 30 acres of a 1000 acre property.

Main theme is ‘Birds’ over 80 species from every continent Budgies, Macaw, parrots, and wedge tailed eagles to name but a few.

Launceston Lakes is the only park in Tasmania to house and display the orphaned Devils from the Devil facial tumor disease.

We have  wombats, Quoll, possums, wallabies, kangaroos and emus.

L’ton lakes is the newest and largest park in Tasmania, situated just 18km from the City centre of Launceston

All the above was provided courtesy of Dirk at Launceston Lakes.

You will find Tasmanian Devils, parrots, emus, owls, alpacas and other exotic animals in our Wildlife Park.

Visit the website at: www.launcestonlakes.com .

Seahorse World

Visit the website at: www.seahorseworld.com.au .

Something Wild

Visit the website at: www.somethingwild.com.au .

Tasmanian Devil Park Wildlife Rescue Centre

Viosit the website at: www.tasmaniandevilpark.com .

Trowunna Wildlife Park

Visit the website at: www.trowunna.com.au .

Waterbird Haven Trust

This is a nature haven stretching for half a kilometre along the tidal estuary. The haven was ewstablished in 1974 by private land-owners and then donated into a community trust in the early 80's. Today, the haven is run by Glenn & Sharon Candee on behalf of the trust and is financed entirely by donations and the efforts of charitable workers.

As you proceed along the walking track through grass-covered mud flats and bush gardens you will see all sorts of water birds and labelled native trees and shrubs. Indeed, the haven has been known to house Australia's largest collection of waterfowl and during the breeding season, the bird nursery is full of young birds.

At the Trust House there are tea rooms with displays and a deck with a 180 degree view of the Haven pier and the Tamar panorama. Relax on the deck and chat with the friendly staff about the amazing history of this beautiful example of conservation in action.

Bed and breakfast accommodation is available at the trust house.

Wings Farm Park

The property consists of 43 hectares at Gunns Plains, 12kms south of Ulverstone. Originally zoned rural, then entire property has since been classified Landscape Rural and applicable to tourism. Three other owned properties are also worked in conjunction with the tourist operation.

With requests from the general public seeking select recreational tourism sites the camping ground (a large grassed area along the banks of the Leven River) was established with 4 powered sites and toilet/shower block facilities in 1986.

During the next 7 years visitor demand increased to the level that accommodation had to be provided. In 1993 Central Coast Council approved the construction of two self-contained cabins sleeping up to 5 people. These cabins were built in a way that they could be removed for resale. This was not necessary with visitor demand preference for a cheaper accommodation option without sacrificing comfort.

In 1996 approval was obtained for a further four self-contained cabins with ensuites - two cabins built to gauge a comparison between two pricing options. A further two cabins were built 12 months later.

Whilst the cabins were being constructed, a small backpacker section was tested on a small scale due to the non-existence of public transport to our area. This decision proved to be worthwhile providing cheaper accommodation for the youth market comprising students undertaking specialist training courses in the area, as well as seasonal employees during the hop and berry seasons. A second amenities block was also built to cater for the increasing clientele.

Because of the differences between rural and urban lifestyles, it became evident early on in the expansion phase that there was a need to provide an experience for suburban families wishing to acquaint themselves with animal life on the farm. This was introduced with small friendly animals running freely through the camp enclosure providing much delight to all children. Larger animals were housed in fenced paddocks within visual and walking distance of the accommodation.

To improve the experience, more animals were acquired and consequently Wing's Farm Park is the only establishment in Tasmania to provide a combination of various accommodation options and such an extensive array of animals on one site.

As awareness of our facility increased, this provided an opportunity to extend the visitor experience to a day visit. At the same time the opportunity arose to approach educational institutions, promoting the Park as a learning tool within primary education. In conjunction with a resident herpetologist, agreement was formalised to include Tasmanian reptiles in the school tours. This option provided the means to develop a Tasmanian reptile centre and enable individual tourists to view these animals, which previously had only been available through group bookings.

In December, 2000 the first stage of a major expansion project was opened. This included a tearoom for the convenience of customers, but more so, to enable the provision of refreshments for the coach industry. The tearoom can seat up to 50 people.

Also included in this project was the establishment of two display areas - one large area under cover which houses wildlife, rodents, and aquatic exhibits, the second area being external housing for raptors and wildlife.

Apart from providing an experience for tourists, it is also our aim to provide a safe area for the rehabilitation of injured or orphaned wildlife. Many carers do not have the facilities or space in which an animal can learn to "spread his wings". So for these people we wish to become the "half-way" house in helping an animal to venture back into its natural habitat. When it comes to releasing, the Park is adjacent to a riperian corridor that extends to as far away as Cradle Mountain.

Visit the website at: www.wingsfarmpark.com.au .

Zoo Doo Wildlife Park

Visit the website at: www.zoodoo.com.au .

VICTORIA

Ballarat Wildlife Park

The Ballarat Wildlife Park is the brainchild and dream of Mr Greg Parker.

Greg moved to Ballarat in 1987 to open his own wildlife park based upon his love of Australian native animals and reptiles and his extensive experience in the zoo industry.

The decision to establish such a facility in Ballarat came as a result of extensive research into land space availability, proximity to other attractions and gaps in the regional market resulting in the current Ballarat East location.

Set upon 32 acres of woodland is a collection of Australian native animals and reptiles which have been chosen for their educational and conservation potential. The reptile collection alone is one of the largest private collections in Australian featuring around four hundred individual animals of both native and exotic origins.

The Ballarat Wildlife Park is situated only five minutes from Sovereign Hill and is the only regional zoo of its kind on such a large scale.

Co-operation on many levels has been one of the keys to the success of The Ballarat Wildlife Park over the years. Greg and his staff have worked hard to establish themselves as professionals in the tourism an zoological fields. Extensive networks with other accredited zoos and tourism operators have been nurtured and maintained to ensure that The Ballarat Wildlife Park is placed as a leader in its field.

Greg's dedication to excellence, education and conservation have see The Ballarat Wildlife Park progress from a small to a significant sized attraction with substantial national and international appeal.

The result is one of Ballarat's primary tourist attractions offering a wildlife experience appealing to domestic and international visitors alike.

Visit the website at: www.wildlifepark.com.au .

Bimbimbie Fauna & Picnic Park

Bullers Bird Park

Buninyong Flora & Bird Park

Visit the website at: www.buninyong.com/birdpark .

Capalba Park Alpacas & Tourist Farm

Golden River Zoo

Gumbuya Park

Visit the website at: www.gumbuya.com.au .

Healesville Sanctuary

Current map of the sanctuary.

Visit the website at: www.zoo.org.au .

Jirrahlinga Koala & Wildlife Sanctuary

Koala Conservation Centre

Visit the website at: www.phillipisland.net.au/koalas/koalacentre.html .

Kyabram Fauna Park

In 1967, public meetings were called in Kyabram to discuss how best to (develop or) utilise a large area of degraded farmland and public land, which had been used as an unofficial tip site for some 80 years. This land was within the Town of Kyabram boundaries.  Some of the land was used to carry stormwater run-off, whilst the rest of the area had been left to fall into disrepair.  The idea to develop a Wildlife Park was mooted at the public meetings and with general consensus, the Kyabram Fauna Park came into existence.

Visit the website at: www.kyabramfaunapark.com.au .

Marine Discovery Centre

Melbourne Aquarium

Visit the website at: www.melbourneaquarium.com.au .

Monbulk Animal Kingdom

Moonlit Sanctuary

Visit the website at: www.moonlit-sanctuary.com .

Pearcedale Conservation Park

Penguin Parade

Royal Melbourne Zoological Gardens

Aerial view of the zoo.

The Zoo, originally located on the river flats in Richmond, was modelled on London Zoo, and is believed to be the eleventh oldest zoo in the world.

In 1862 the Royal Park site was given to the zoo by the city of Melbourne. The grounds were laid out on formal lines to create a garden atmosphere. But with the government as the main source of funding, the emphasis shifted from recreation and education, to animal acclimatisation.

So in the early years, all that visitors could hope to see were some slightly unusual domestic animals and song birds. These were in the Zoo recovering from their trip to Australia prior to being sent out to a station or for liberation in the bush. Consequently the Society's gardens attracted little popular interest.

The development of the Zoological collection began with the appointment of Albert Le Souef in 1870. He acquired monkeys, American Black Bears, lions, tigers and other species. He also developed picnic grounds and prepared garden beds.

At first, animals were housed in old circus cages, then wooden houses. A bear pit was created, and aviaries erected. Throughout the 1870s access to the zoo was free of charge. Visitors took great delight in teasing the monkeys, watching the lions being fed and then falling asleep under a tree in one of the picnic areas.

In 1881 an entrance fee was introduced to enable the Zoo to buy stock. An elephant and an orangutan were purchased that year. Many exotic animals were added to the collection, including rhinos, hippos, bison, zebra and giraffe. The Zoo maintained a very strong Australian collection, even establishing a special section in 1934 to display platypus, koala and a wide range of native animals.

Solid brick enclosures with cast iron bars began to appear in the 1890s. An enclosure built in this style for orangutan, in 1928, has been preserved in the Zoo as a reminder of historic enclosure design.

Until 1961 a ride on an elephant was a highlight of a visit to the Zoo. The elephants Ranee, Queenie, Betty and Peggy gave many years of service providing rides for adults and children. The orangutans Mollie and Jimmi provided great entertainment, eating everything they were given by visitors. More recently Mzuri, the Western Lowland Gorilla born in the Zoo, attracted a huge following.

Train and fun fair rides, a restaurant, picnic grounds and even a small circus were once provided to enhance the recreational experience of visitors.

In the 1960s the Zoo's great modernisation program began under the visionary chairman, Alfred Dunbavin Butcher. The Lion Park was the first major exhibit. Innovative exhibits such as the Arboreal Primate enclosure, the Great Flight Aviary and the beautiful Butterfly House followed.

In the 1980s a master plan was developed. The plan divided the Zoo into bioclimatic zones. An African Rainforest featuring gorillas, mandrills, pigmy hippos and parrots; Asian Rainforest with Tigers and Otters; and the Australian Bush with Koala, echidnas and endangered hairy nose wombats have been replicated, giving the visitor a sense of immersion within each exhibit.

Four objectives of the Zoo are active regional conservation and research programs; Education programs, which began in 1969, attracts over 100,000 participants a year; Local conservation programs including Striped Legless Lizard, Eastern Barred Bandicoot and Helmeted Honeyeater, while internationally, the Zoo is involved with projects in Vietnam, Papua New Guinea and the Philippines.

The Zoological Parks & Gardens Board:

Several different bodies have oficiated over Melbourne Zoo since its foundation. In 1857, the Zoological Society of Victoria was incorporated to establish a zoo in Melbourne. Its small collection of animals were housed in the Botanic Gardens. In 1861, the Society was renamed the Acclimatisation Society of Victoria. The same year the Society secured a grant of land in Royal Park and organised the transfer of the collection from the Botanic Gardens to the present site.

The Acclimatisation Society of Victoria was renamed the Zoological and Acclimatisation Society of Victoria in 1872 to reflect the importance of its role in developing a public zoo. The Society was granted a royal charter in 1910 becoming the Royal Zoological and Acclimatisation Society of Victoria.

In May 1937 the Zoological Board of Victoria Act 1936 was proclaimed. The management of the Zoo was transferred from the Royal Zoological and Acclimatisation Society to the a Zoological Board. The Society itself ceased in 1957.

In 1975, the Zoological Board of Victoria took responsibility for 116 acres at Werribee. The site was developed as a Zoological Park two years later and was opened to the public in 1983. Now called Werribee Open Range Zoo, the zoo features herbivorous animals displayed in large mixed exhibits.

In 1977 a royal charter was granted to the Melbourne Zoo and it became the Royal Melbourne Zoo.

In 1978 the Zoological Board took responsibility for the management of the Sir Colin MacKenzie Fauna Park, Healesville. The 175 hectare bushland sanctuary is now the Healesville Sanctuary, exhibiting Australian Fauna.

In April 1996, the Zoological Parks and Gardens Act was proclaimed. Management of the Zoo was transferred from the Zoological Board of Victoria to the Zoological Parks and Gardens Board.

The Zoological Parks and Gardens Board now manages Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Open Range Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary.

Addendum

The history of the Melbourne Zoo is written by Catherine de Courcy, BA (N.U.Ireland) MA (Uni. Melb.) Dip Lib and Info Studies (NUI).

Work on the history began as a result of a retirement gift to Dr Alfred Dunbavin Butcher. Dr Butcher joined the Zoological Board in 1947 and was chairman from 1962 to 1987. Using his vision and considerable political acumen, he transformed the Zoo. He believed that knowledge of the history of the organisation was vital to its future success. As a retirement gift, the Zoological Board created a fund to sponsor a graduate student of the University of Melbourne to research the history of the Zoo. Catherine de Courcy was awarded the sponsorship.

Dr Butcher was delighted with the practical nature of his retirement gift. For eighteen months he spent time with Catherine discussing the philosophy behind the transformation of the Zoo. His passion for providing the Zoo with a powerful educational role dominated many of these discussions. He read the draft MA with great interest. Sadly he died three months before the thesis was submitted in 1990.

Since then, Catherine has drawn on the research for The Zoo Story (Melbourne, Penguin, 1995), a general history of zoos. Her work on the history of Melbourne Zoo continued in response to specific requests. Now she has undertaken to transfer her historical data on the Zoo to the Zoo's internet site. This includes her thesis covering the early history of the Zoo to 1900. Her index to the minutes of the Zoo from 1857 to 1963 will be made available on disk to Zoo staff during this period. It is estimated that the project will be completed by October 2001.

Current zoo map.

Visit the website at: www.zoo.org.au/melbourne .

Seal Rocks

Victoria's Open Range Zoo

The board acquired 120 Ha of Werribee Park Land in 1975 at the intiative of then Chairman Alfred Dunbavin Butcher.

The Government of Rupert Hamer had acquired Werribee Park for the state 2 years earlier. ADB had seen the potential for an open range zoo at Werribee Park and Premier Hamer had given his support for the Boards acquisition of land.

In September 1975 Mr Ken Sheehan was appointed as Manager of the zoo. Mr Arthur Johnston, now senior Operations Manager, was appointed in October 1975 and Mr Garry Vaughan was appointed as Keeper in 1977.

Animals were sent to Werribee from Melbourne Zoo and thus began a long phase during which Werribee acted as an agistment area for surplus stock from Melbourne Zoo.

From the beginning the Board’s plans were for a ‘broad acre’ approach to animal management and display at Werribee aiming to use the landscape features of the property, especially the river valley and floodplain, to best effect.

The ideas of the property’s future reflected current thinking throughout the progressive zoo world about the need to manage larger species, particularly of hooved animals, in appropriate herds and in appropriate settings.

Most of the world’s major zoos have sought to develop out-of-city sites to facilitate their work with larger species. Some of these properties have become world renowned as open range zoos in their own right, providing visitors with a complimentary experience to that offered by the older metropolitan zoos.

In 1981 Werribee Zoological Par