Ballarat Wildlife Park marks 40 year milestone

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).