Commercial Wildlife Licence - Wildlife Displayer

This type of Commercial Wildlife Licence authorises the holder (subject to conditions) to operate a 'wildlife park'. Displays of wildlife must have a clear conservation theme, promote wildlife conservation and provide wildlife education.

The holder of this type of licence must:

• open the display facility to the public for six hours per day for at least 50 days in a six month period
• maintain a log book with details of when the premises is open to the public
• ensure that the entire perimeter is fenced so as to prevent the escape of any wildlife or the unauthorised entry of persons.

• possess, keep, breed, buy, sell or dispose of and display wildlife in permanent fixed facilities specified in the licence
• display their wildlife at sites other than that specified in the licence, providing the welfare of the animals is not compromised and the display has a clear conservation and education theme
• display any taxa of wildlife, providing the wildlife has been legally obtained and is housed properly.

• allow dangerous or venomous wildlife to be handled by the public without the prior written approval of the Secretary
• buy or accept as a gift, wildlife from any person other than the holder of a current and appropriate licence unless that person is exempted from the usual licensing requirements under Regulation 19 of the Wildlife Regulations 2002, and provided you have obtained the specific and prior written approval of the Secretary.

Approval in principle

You may wish to develop the wildlife display in a staged manner. When the Department is satisfied that major issues have been addressed, approval in principle may be given so that construction of enclosures may commence. An inspection is still required prior to the licence being issued and a subsequent inspection may be needed for each new enclosure or display facility as it is developed. It is an offence to commence construction of any new enclosure or to modify an existing enclosure without the Department’s prior written approval.

To display non-indigenous animals

You must first obtain a separate Pest Animal (Zoo) Permit, under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994. Contact the DEPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186 for details.

To display unscheduled wildlife

You must obtain written permission from the Department, in each instance, before you acquire any taxa not included in the following list. Your application must identify the proposed source and include their written agreement to take the animals back if it becomes necessary. This should feature in your Management Plan.

Taxa which may be acquired under a Displayer Licence [PDF File - 33.9 KB]

Animal welfare

You must also comply with all requirements of the following Code of Practice administered by the Bureau of Animal Welfare (Department of Primary Industries).

Code of practice for the public display of exhibition of animals