New zoo set to roar into regional Victoria

A mammoth fauna park in Victoria’s north will be transformed into the state’s fourth zoo, boosting jobs and tourism in the region.

The Kyabram Fauna Park will become the state’s fourth zoo. Supplied: Zoos Victoria

The fate of a regional fauna park has been secured after years of negotiations, with the facility to be officially transformed into the state’s fourth zoo.

From October, the existing Kyabram Fauna Park will join Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Open Range Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary under the Zoos Victoria banner.

It will mean that all children under 16 years of age will receive free admission to the new regional zoo on weekends, public holidays and during school holidays.

The park, set on 55 hectares of parkland and wetlands in the state’s north, is two and a half times bigger than Melbourne Zoo and boasts more than 600 animals including Tasmanian devils, dingoes, wombats, kangaroos, koalas and southern cassowary.

Zoos Victoria chief executive Jenny Gray confirmed species from Melbourne, Werribee and Healesville would be relocated to Kyabram as part of the park’s revitalisation.

The prospect of more animals and exhibits has also been flagged by zoo bosses.

More than 600 animals are housed at the park, including Tasmanian devils. Supplied: Zoos Victoria

Kyabram Fauna Park joins Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Open Range Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary under the Zoos Victoria banner. Picture: Supplied

“There’s no doubt there will be a gradual change of the offering (of animals),” Dr Gray said.

“We do move animals between our properties … I fully expect that with Kyabram as a fully functioning part of the family there will be animals that move around where it’s best for the individual animals and where it’s best for the experience.

“We don’t have easy answers yet but I’m sure that within a year or so we’ll be presenting a new master plan that shows you what we’ll be able to do there.

“Adding a fourth zoo and a real regional presence is incredibly exciting for us.”

The sale of the park, which is more than two years in the making, follows assessments into the park’s long-term sustainability.

It’s not yet known if the park will be renamed, with Dr Gray flagging: “I think it will decision of the community when we eventually get there.”

The state government put $3m towards the takeover. Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said welcoming Kyabram Fauna Park to the Zoos Victoria family is a “win for tourism and jobs”.

“Victorians can be really proud that we’ve got a fourth zoo here. This is really a fantastic win for every Victorian,” she said.