Federal Government announces $94.6m lifeline to save our wildlife parks

THE Morrison Government is throwing a $94.6 million lifeline out to the Territory’s zoos and wildlife sanctuaries facing ruin because of the coronavirus crisis.

The Morrison Government is throwing a $94.6 million lifeline out to the Territory’s zoos and wildlife sanctuaries facing ruin because of the coronavirus crisis. Pictured is Shannon Jones holding a saltwater crocodile hatchling and eggs at Crocodylus Park in Darwin. Picture: Che Chorley

THE Morrison Government is throwing a $94.6 million lifeline out to the Territory’s zoos and wildlife sanctuaries facing ruin because of the coronavirus crisis.

Privately run parks such as Crocodylus, Crocosaurus, Indo Pacific Marine and the Alice Springs Reptile Centre are all being encouraged by Federal Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham to apply for funding help from an Australia-wide $94.6 million support package to help them get through the COVID-19 crisis.

Eligible Territory facilities will have access to a grant that contributes towards up to six months of its animal welfare operating costs.

This includes animal feed, enclosure, health and other specialised care expenses, and utilities directly related to the housing and caring for animals.

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In addition to this support to help with operational costs, zoos and aquariums that meet the criteria will be able to apply for the JobKeeper program to assist with staffing costs.

Austrade will work with state and territory tourism organisations to identify those that may be eligible for financial assistance.

Funding allocations will vary, depending the total operating costs of the facility as well as its current level of state funding.

Darwin’s largest privately owned wildlife park Crocodylus has been hit hard by the coronavirus shutdown, being forced to close indefinitely.

The animal park in Berrimah has closed for the first time in its 26 years of running, with around 30 staff stood down.

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“This will be a lifeline for these popular tourism attractions who have had many of their revenue streams dry up during this crisis,” Minister Birmingham said.

“It’s absolutely crucial that wildlife sanctuaries and reptile centres across the Territory can continue to operate on the other side and play a major role in helping our tourism industry to recover from this.

“We know the NT’s wildlife sanctuaries and reptile centres are major tourism drawcards for interstate and international visitors.

“We also shouldn’t underestimate the huge positive flow-on effects wildlife sanctuaries and reptile centres provide to the local economy. They bring thousands of visitors into communities who then spend millions of dollars visiting other attractions, sleeping in our hotels and dining in our restaurants.”