Zoodoo Wildlife Park in Richmond is a native animal and exotic overseas animal park. After starting in 1999 with a small collection of orphaned and rescued animals it has grown to become one of the most diverse collections of animals in the country. With most venues focussing on either Australian wildlife or overseas species (particularly the big 5), Zoodoo is one of the few to showcase both.
You’ll notice and appreciate that Zoodoo Wildlife Park is a caring place where rehabilitation, care and educating visitors takes precedence. Many of the animals have been taken in as they were unwell and not able to look after themselves in the wild. With care and rehabilitation, they have been able to live happy lives and thrive.
Zoodoo’s Native Wildlife
Visitors from overseas will be amazed at the variety of Australian native animals. These include koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, emus as well as local varieties of snakes and lizards. Visitors from outside of Australia are often surprised to find that Australian animals are not something you would see daily, and to see a number of these animals at once, it’s necessary to visit a wildlife park!
At Zoodoo you’ll be fortunate enough to see a white wallaby. These are native to Bruny Island, where there is an estimated population of only 200. The white colour is caused by a genetic defect which resulted in differing levels of melanin, which has caused these Bennets wallabies to become albino. Fortunately the low level of predators and caring attitudes of locals have enabled this species to survive.
One of the star attractions for locals and international tourists alike is the Tasmanian devil. For many years’ these animals have only been found in Tasmania. These animals are about the same size as a cat, but with a strong, muscly build. Following the extinction of the thylacine (Tasmanian tiger) in 1936, they have become the largest carnivorous marsupial in the world.
It’s unlikely you’ll see one of these animals in the wild. They try and avoid people and usually come out at night to eat dead animals. Zoodoo Wildlife Park is one of a handful of sanctuaries where you can see them. If you’re lucky you’ll be there for feeding time! Witness their sharp teeth and incredible jaw strength, which enables them to chew through bone with ease.
Animals from Overseas
You’ll see some of Africa’s most captivating animals, including white african lions, tigers, zebras and camels. There are three species of monkeys, black-capped capuchins, macaques and marmosets. The marmosets are from South America and are very small and charismatic, making them quite a sight to behold.
There are also some friendly animals which would often be seen on a farm. These include horses, miniature ponys, llamas, piglets. In 2016 a walk-through aviary was opened, enabling you to get up and close with many bright and colourful birdlife.
Interaction
As part of your entry fee, you can get close to the animals on a mini safari vehicle, where you can pet and feed a number of animals such as ostriches, camels and zebras.
Don’t miss the animal presentations at 11am and 2pm each day. These involve the expert staff feeding animals such as lions, reptiles and Tasmanian devils. The staff have a vast knowledge of these animals and are known to share interesting stories and facts with visitors.
At an additional cost, intimate animal encounters can be arranged with Zoodoo, enabling you to get close and feed the animals in their enclosure. Animals you can get close with include meerkats, marmoset monkeys, zebras, snakes, wombats, Tasmanian Devils, and on occasions lion cubs!
For Children
Zoodoo Wildlife Park makes an ideal destination for children of all ages. Children can take part in the safari, and those as young as five can participate in an animal encounter. There’s an indoor playland where children can play while the adults have a coffee and a rest. This includes a merry-go-round, jumping castle and a ball pit for toddlers.
Wildlife Rehabilitation
However Zoodoo isn’t just important for displaying rare animals. For the Tasmanian Devil, it’s key for their survival. During the nineties, the Tasmanian Devil population became endangered due to the Devil Facial Tumour Disease, leaving infected devils with deadly facial tumours. Zoodoo plays and important role in separating and breeding healthy populations of devils which is gradually helping to stabilise and regrow the population.
Zoodoo are also in the process of developing an animal hospital, which will enable them to provide greater care for animals in need.
You Can Help
You can also take part in helping these animals. Members of the public can adopt a Tasmanian Devil, Marmoset Monkeys, Macaw, Meerkat, Snake or Wombat. This doesn’t mean you can take your new friend home, it means you are enabling that animal to receive the rehabilitation and care it needs to survive and live a fruitful life. You will receive a free pass to Zoodoo to visit your adopted animal.
Locals can also help by becoming a volunteer.
Open Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm every day except Good Friday and Christmas Day.
Address: 620 Middle Tea Tree Road, Richmond
Phone: 03 6260 2444
Website: http://zoodoo.com.au