Alma Park Zoo: Queensland’s Oldest Zoo and Its Lasting Legacy
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 (Kuranda, QLD)
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


Cairns Tropical Zoo (Cairns, QLD)
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


Mugga Lane Zoo (Canberra, ACT)
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





























