Kyabram Fauna Park Will Become A Part Of The Zoos Victoria Family

Kyabram Fauna Park, a 55-hectare parkland and wetland in between Echuca and Shepparton, will soon be a fourth site for Zoos Victoria. Joining Melbourne Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary and Werribee Open Range Zoo, the takeover is expected to be complete in 18 months, with benefits for children and members as early as October this year. The Park is two and a half times bigger than Melbourne Zoo, and features over 600 animals, the largest collection of animals in Victoria after Healesville Sanctuary. With a $3 million support from the state government, the Zoos Victoria takeover will benefit the wildlife, improve staff opportunities and support tourism to northern Victoria.

Kyabram Fauna Park

The Park has looked after wildlife and delivered conservation programs since 1979. It has a vast collection of Australian animals, including Tasmanian devils, quolls, dingoes, koalas and wombats. Kangaroos, emus and wallabies roam freely throughout the space. There’s also a large range of reptiles and birds. The team have planted over 7000 native trees and plants since the Park began, providing food and shelter for wildlife, and encouraging the return of 35r species of birds to the Kyabram area.

Both Kyabram Fauna Park and Zoos Victoria already have a close strategic alignment regarding animal welfare, conservation, sustainability and visitor experience. The transition process has already begun, and the full integration will be complete within the next 18 months.

“Zoos Victoria will work hard to ensure a smooth transition,” said Zoos Victoria Chief Executive Officer Dr Jenny Gray. “We are thrilled to have an even broader reach to connect community with nature right across the state of Victoria, to secure a future rich in wildlife.”

From October, the Park will be included in the state government’s $20 million Kids Go Free program. Children under the age of 16 will receive free admission on weekends, public holidays and school holidays. Members of Zoos Victoria or Kyabram Fauna Park will also have access to both wildlife organisations, and will receive updates about the transition through their inbox.