Closure of Wildlife Wonderland Park near Bass

16 February, 2012

The Wildlife Wonderland Park near Bass in South Gippsland has been forced to close due to offences against the Wildlife Act 1975 and the eviction of the operator by the landlord.

The Wildlife Wonderland Park does not have a licence to display native wildlife to the public.

The failure of the operator to obtain a licence and the eviction of the operator from the property prompted action by the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) to ensure the protection and appropriate management of the wildlife at the park. The operation was undertaken with the support of Victoria Police and RSPCA.

DSE is responsible for ensuring the management and protection of Victoria's wildlife, and issues wildlife licences that are required for keeping, displaying and selling wildlife.

Senior Wildlife and Compliance Officer, Peter Simpson said the operator of Wildlife Wonderland held a Wildlife Displayers Licence for a number of years, but failed to renew his licence when it expired last year.

“DSE Wildlife Officers visited the Park on several occasions to help the operator apply for a new licence, but he failed to obtain the licence, despite being given ample opportunity,” Mr Simpson said.

“Under the Wildlife Act it's a serious offence to control, possess, breed and display protected wildlife without any permit, licence or authority.”

“The eviction of the operator by the landlord would have resulted in no-one to care, feed and water the animals in the park and it was necessary for DSE and RSPCA to become involved to protect the welfare of the animals.”

The operator of Wildlife Wonderland has voluntarily surrendered all animals to DSE and RSPCA.

“DSE has engaged the services of vets with experience in wildlife management, care and rehabilitation to ensure the animals are cared for at the highest standard and to prevent disease and quarantine issues during the rehousing process.”

Mr Simpson emphasised that the animals in the park are of unknown origin, with many either bred in captivity or have spent most of their lives in captivity.

“The wildlife is unable to be released to the wild for health, welfare and conservation reasons.”

“Healesville Sanctuary is assisting DSE with rehousing animals and RSPCA staff are also helping with the operation.”

“DSE takes the private and commercial licensing of wildlife very seriously as it's a process that protects the welfare of animals and ensures protected wildlife is not being taken from the wild and either kept or traded illegally,” Mr Simpson said.

Large penalties apply for licence holders who fail to comply with their licence requirements and conditions and legislation will be enforced if there are any breaches of those conditions.

The operator of the Wildlife Wonderland Park has been charged on bail to appear in court at a later date.

To report wildlife crime, call DSE on 136 186.