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Since opening in 1883, Adelaide Zoo has been one of Australia’s most significant zoological institutions. Established by the South Australian Zoological and Acclimatisation Society, it is Australia’s second-oldest zoo after Melbourne Zoo and remains a prominent landmark in the heart of Adelaide. The zoo is renowned for its historic character, with many heritage-listed features still preserved today. Structures such as the Elephant House, the Rotunda, and the original landscap

📄 RHDV1-K5 Wild Rabbit Control Program – Important Information for Rabbit Owners ​ Important Notice for Rabbit Owners A wild rabbit control program is scheduled for the Greater Sydney Local Government Areas, including the Central Coast, in early March 2026.This program involves the controlled release of Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV1-K5), a rabbit calicivirus K5 strain. This notification allows veterinarians time to inform rabbit owners so that pet rabbits can be p

For 45 years, Alma Park Zoo was a popular wildlife destination in South East Queensland. Operating from 1969 to 2014 in Dakabin, the zoo earned recognition as Queensland’s oldest zoo and became known for its diverse collection of native and exotic animals, as well as its interactive visitor experiences. One of the zoo’s most memorable attractions was its lemur island, where visitors could observe and engage with animals in a more immersive environment than was common at many

Shambala Animal Kingdom was one of Far North Queensland’s most ambitious wildlife attractions, operating in various forms between 2003 and 2013. Located near Kuranda, the expansive park occupied more than 50 hectares and was known for housing an impressive collection of exotic animals, including lions, rhinoceroses, and other large wildlife rarely seen elsewhere in the region. The facility underwent several transformations throughout its history. It first opened as Mareeba Wi

For more than three decades, Cairns Tropical Zoo was one of Far North Queensland's most prominent wildlife attractions. Operating from 1980 until 2016, the zoo was set within tropical bushland and developed into the region's largest animal collection, showcasing a diverse range of native and exotic species. The zoo provided visitors with opportunities to experience wildlife up close while promoting animal education and conservation awareness. Its natural setting helped create

For more than two decades, Mugga Lane Zoo was a beloved attraction for Canberra families and visitors. Operating from 1979 to 2002, the zoo was originally established as the Canberra Wildlife Gardens and became the ACT's first permanent zoo. At its peak, it housed more than 100 animal species, offering residents a rare opportunity to experience wildlife education close to home. Beyond its role as a family attraction, Mugga Lane Zoo contributed to conservation efforts through

Operated: 1971–1988 Overview: An open-range safari-style zoo , billed originally as Bullen’s African Lion Safari Park. Visitors could drive through lion enclosures — a unique, if controversial, experience. Incidents: Multiple media-reported incidents included lions interacting with vehicles, and RSPCA welfare investigations that led to better animal care practices. Closure: Shut down due to high operating costs, activism against welfare concerns, and insurance costs; rema

The original Parramatta Zoo (formally known as the Parramatta Zoological Gardens) operated in the south-eastern corner of Parramatta Park from 1934 to 1951 . Parramatta History and Heritage History of the Zoo Origins (Early 1800s – 1900s): Before the formal zoo, Elizabeth Macquarie (wife of Governor Macquarie) established a small menagerie and a Deer Park in the grounds of Old Government House in the early 1800s. Formal Opening (1934): After years of lobbying by local gr

Operated: 1895–1937 Overview: Founded by Mary Grant Roberts, it was Tasmania’s first formal zoo and featured a mix of native and exotic animals. Major Historical Event: Most famous as the place where the last known thylacine (Tasmanian tiger) was filmed and died in captivity in 1936 . This event is memorialised in Australia’s National Threatened Species Day . Closure: The zoo struggled financially and closed in 1937. Conservation Impact None in modern sense — it represent

This year we will be posting the history of zoo's around Australia. This will include the good, the bad and the ugly side of Animals in captivity and an open unbiased look into where we went wrong, what we learnt and where we are now excelling in conservation and breeding programs. Today we start off with Moore Park Zoological Gardens (Sydney, NSW) Operated: 1884–1916 Overview: Sydney’s first public zoo , also known as the Moore Park Zoo, was established on a site known as