“Unsustainable” Eyre Reptile and Wildlife Park to close its gates for good amid pandemic tourism slump

A regional council has been unable to justify the $300k needed to help keep an “unsustainable” tourism attraction open with 1000 animals now hunting for new homes.

A regional tourism attraction has been forced to close its gates with a regional council and its operators unable to justify $300k worth of repairs amid a pandemic slump.

Reptiles, birds and macropods were seen by thousands of visiting tourists, residents and school students at Whyalla wildlife park for decades.

After taking the brunt of Covid-19 restrictions, the “devastated” operators of Eyre Reptile and Wildlife Park announced its closure on Thursday just four days later via Facebook.

The Eyre Reptile and Wildlife Park will close its gates for the final time Sunday. Picture: supplied

“It is with regret that the operators of the Eyre Reptile and Wildlife Park and Whyalla City Council can confirm that the park is closing as of Monday 15 November,” the Facebook post read.

Fans and past visitors immediately responded sharing fond memories and expressing their disappointment.

“Oh no! We loved it when we visited from Perth,” Sarah Louise said.

“Come on Whyalla Council, keep this going for the people of Whyalla and all the forthcoming visitors that will be arriving in the next few months,” Jenny Treharne said.

Scott and Jasmine Grant have been managing the park for the past three years and say they are “heartbroken”.

Six months ago council inspected the site and identified $300k worth of repairs were needed to continue operating safely – costs neither the park, nor council, could afford.

Eyre Reptile and Wildlife Park operator, Scott Grant with Grumpet the crocodile. Picture: Facebook

“We are devastated that it has come to this, but the impacts from Covid and travel restrictions, together with the significant amount of investment still required to get the park to where it needs to be in order for it to be financially sustainable, have simply become too much,” Mr Grant said.

“I understand where council is coming from but members who were previously in council never mentioned something like this could happen.”

Chief executive Justin Commons said council was disappointed to see the park close but it was simply not viable to assist financially.

“A significant investment would be required in order to make it financially sustainable over the long-term,” Mr Commons said.

“In the current economic climate, council cannot justify investing a significant amount of ratepayer funds into an unsustainable business.”

The couple, who also live on the property with their five young children, now face having to find a new home with “no suitable properties around” to relocate the park.

But, Mr Grant said their priorities lie with rehoming their 1000 animals first, some which have been with the family for over a decade.

“It’s not an easy task and its not only affecting me and Jas, but the kids, especially the older ones who work with there with us – it’s hit them pretty hard,” he said.

“Our long term goal is to eventually come back into the industry, but we will do that on our own accord, on our own land.”