Zoodoo Zoo gains approval for extension to operating hours, paving the way for twilight tours

Nocturnal tours and a twilight zoo could soon be on offer at a popular tourist site after it gained council approval to extend its opening hours.

Zebras at Zoodoo Zoo, which hopes to soon run twilight tours. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

TWILIGHT tours at a popular tourist operation in Brighton could soon be on the cards after the local council approved an extension of the business’s operating hours.

Zoodoo Zoo applied to the Brighton Council to increase its operating hours from 9am-5pm daily to 9am-9pm Monday to Saturday to run nocturnal tours and a twilight zoo.

At its meeting on Tuesday night, the application had been recommended for refusal by council officers, on the basis it had the potential to “create a detrimental impact on adjoining properties, which include residential uses”.

The family-run animal park, on Middle Tea Tree Rd near Richmond, had proposed a 12-month trial of two new experiences.

A twilight zoo would operate from October to April, providing a guided walking tour, capped at 30 people.

Zoodoo’s Donna Cuttriss with Kiki, an orphaned eastern grey joey. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE.

A “park in the dark” experience would operate from May to September, providing visitors with education and appreciation of Tasmania’s nocturnal species, in a private walking tour.

The application received one representation against it, seemingly from a neighbour of the property, which raised concerns about people arriving in the dark.

Acting Mayor Barbara Curran said the extension of hours application was unanimously approved by elected members.

“When we looked at the representation, the only problem they had was that people were getting lost, so if they put up some appropriate signage people shouldn’t wander on to other people’s properties,” she said. “Because it’s a trial, if there are any issues, they can be addressed.”

Zoodoo director Donna Cuttriss previously said the proposed experiences would be offered for a maximum of four days per week.