The CaPTA Group announces closure of Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome

After almost two decades of providing wildlife encounters and adventure experiences above Cairns’ Reef Hotel Casino, operators The CaPTA Group have announced the closure of the Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome.

The attraction, which has held a prominent position in the Far North Queensland as a premier wildlife park and adventure attraction will operate for the final day on Sunday 8th October 2023.

Making the announcement, a statement from The CaPTA Group advised that “taking into consideration the effects of the elements over the years and the importance of infrastructure upkeep, it is necessary to undertake comprehensive maintenance.”

CaPTA Director of Sales and Marketing Ben Woodward said the decision was an extremely hard one to make, but ultimately the scale and time frame of comprehensive maintenance needed to the Reef Hotel Casino site meant that they would have to close.

Woodward told the Cairns Post “it just came down to the maintenance needed to be undertaken on the building, it’s not work that can be conducted with our people and wildlife in the facility.

“It’s unfortunate because in terms of Cairns Zoom, as a business, has been doing really well and performing strongly post-Covid and with the return of international travellers we have had record numbers.”

Following the acquisition of the Cairns Wildlife Dome in 2005, the vision for the Cairns ZOOM attraction was conceived by the late tourism pioneer Charles Woodward.

Construction of the facility commenced in April 2012 and the attraction opened eight months later in December 2012.

It consists of over 65 challenge elements at different heights, three ziplines, an external viewing walkway and a power jump.

CaPTA Systems and Projects Director Michael Woodward said the entire CaPTA family were saddened by the closure but understood the need for the essential maintenance.

Michael Woodward said the entire CaPTA family was saddened by the closure, adding “as we reflect on the visionary concept and design that created the world’s first ropes course in a wildlife attraction, we share the heartbreak of our passionate staff who have loved their job, and we will do our utmost to support them.

“We also remain wholly committed to ensuring the welfare of our current animal residents, with expert wildlife keepers overseeing their needs to ensure their comfort and care is maintained to the highest standard during transfers to our sister wildlife parks, Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas, and Rainforestation Nature Park Kuranda.”

He added that the Dome’s largest resident Goliath, will continue his star status at Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas.

Images: Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome. Credit: The CaPTA Group.