Reef Casino announces imminent closure of Cairns Zoom and Wildlife dome

After almost two decades of providing remarkable wildlife encounters and adventure experiences, a Cairns landmark attraction has announced is is closing.

After almost two decades of providing remarkable wildlife encounters and thrilling adventure experiences, Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome, located at the Reef Hotel Casino, has announced its forthcoming closure.

Operated by The CaPTA Group, Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome, home of Goliath the saltwater croc, has held a prominent position in the region as a world-class premier wildlife park and adventure attraction.

Goliath the Crocodile. Photo: Zoom Wildlife Park

CaPTA Director Of Sales and Marketing Ben Woodward said the decision was an extremely hard one to make, but ultimately the scale and time frame of comprehensive maintenance needed to the Reef Hotel Casino site meant that they would have to close.

“It just came down to the maintenance needed to be undertaken on the building, it’s not work that can be conducted with our people and wildlife in the facility,” he said.

“It’s unfortunate because in terms of Cairns Zoom, as a business, has been doing really well and performing strongly post-Covid and with the return of international travellers we have had record numbers.”

The Cairns Wildlife dome’s Jessie Dodds, Pablo Ochoa De Alda and Steve Armstrong with a very relaxed Goliath, Picture Emily Barker.

Following the acquisition of the Cairns Wildlife Dome in 2005, the vision for the Cairns Zoom attraction was conceived by the late tourism pioneer Charles Woodward in conjunction with his son Michael.

The Dome itself was established in 2003.

CaPTA Systems and Projects Director Michael Woodward said the entire CaPTA family was saddened by the closure.  

“As we reflect on the visionary concept and design that created the world’s first ropes course in a wildlife attraction, we share the heartbreak of our passionate staff who have loved their job, and we will do our utmost to support them,” he said.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and local Member Warren Entsch MP tour the wildlife at the Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome to announce $60 million Australian tourism package which will partly help far North Queensland recover from the Covid pandemic. Picture: Adam Taylor

“We also remain wholly committed to ensuring the welfare of our current animal residents, with expert wildlife keepers overseeing their needs to ensure their comfort and care is maintained to the highest standard during transfers to our sister wildlife parks, Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas, and Rainforestation Nature Park Kuranda.”

The Dome’s largest resident Goliath, is set to continue his star status at Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas, Ben Woodward said.

“The logistics involved in moving a large crocodile out of the facility are obviously challenging but we intend that he will probably be moved out of the dome via crane and its proposed he will travel to the wildlife habitat and join Tom and Big Al in the swim the salties experience up there.”

Rhys Hancock from the Gold Coast at the Cairns Zoom an Wildlife Dome. Picture: Brendan Radke

Construction of the facility commenced in April 2012 and the attraction opened eight months later in December 2012.

It consists of over 65 challenge elements at different heights, three ziplines, an external viewing walkway and a power jump.

Cairns Zoom & Wildlife Dome structures themselves do not require any maintenance work, and are fully operational through until the closure date.

Ben Woodward said that the relationship between Cairns Zoom and the Reef Hotel Casino remained strong and the CaPTA group would be open to re-establishing the attraction if it was appropriate in the future.

The final day of operation is scheduled for Sunday, October 8, 2023.

Originally published as Reef Casino announces imminent closure of Cairns Zoom and Wildlife dome