Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome relocates crocodile to Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas

Following the CaPTA Group’s closure of the Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome on 8th October 2023, Goliath - the attraction’s resident estuarine crocodile, has been successfully relocated to the CrocArena at Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas.

The 4.3 metre reptile made his departure from the city-based attraction in the same manner in which he arrived – secured in a box, and via crane.

CaPTA Director Of Sales & Marketing Ben Woodward said his capture, removal, and relocation all went smoothly, and it was a touching farewell for the Cairns ZOOM staff involved in the process.

“The team all worked so well together, and the moment when he was lifted via crane out of the Dome and then lowered down to onto a truck at street level, was bittersweet,“ he said.

After being secured into his transportation, Goliath was then successfully relocated up to Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas, where he will settle in to a new life in the CrocArena.

Woodward shared “we would like to encourage all our locals and visitors to come and visit their favourite animals, who, like many of our Cairns ZOOM staff, are settling in to their new homes across our other wildlife parks.

“For those who’ve enjoyed the adrenalin rush of ziplining over Goliath in the past, they’ll now be able to encounter him again from a completely different perspective – face-to-face, separated by perspex, in the enthralling Swim With The Salties experience.”

Perched atop the Reef Hotel Casino building, Cairns ZOOM & Wildlife Dome has been a beloved attraction for locals and visitors alike, offering a unique blend of wildlife experiences and adventure activities.

Opening as a wildlife park in 2003, it became part of The CaPTA Group in 2005, with late tourism pioneer Charles Woodward conceiving the visionary concept to add a ropes challenge course and opening the Cairns ZOOM in 2012.