Openning A Private Zoo

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blaketheman

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Hello all,

I'm very new this to this forum and found topics through my searches in google.

I'm very interested in openning my own private zoo in the near future.

I have a large amount of land in Swan Reach, rural South Australia that I bought purposely for this several years ago. I have acquired plenty of ongoing funding to support this as well as my income.

I'm aware many on this forum may not be supportive, but for those that could help me it would be very much appreciated.

Does anyone know who for me to contact regarding reigstration or applying for a license to do this in my state?

Also who to contact to acquire the animals I want?

I'm mainly interested in Afircan based animals including Lions. I would like old circus animals etc.

Thank you very much for your time.

Blake Mitchell
 
hi blake
welcome to the forum, and i hope you find it as helpful as i have. *removed by moderator*all the best with your endeavours. i know this forum has been incredibly helpful to me realising my vision
 
I'm interested too. I know someone (my auntie) who plans on doing something similar. How do you go about getting the animals in the first place?
 
I think the Dreamworld mentioned was actually the one on Christmas Island, not the one ptig works at
 
Yeah, because their own youthful dreams of owning some sort of zoo have turned to ashes, they are quite scornful of anyone elses!

Don't let them crush your dream Blake BUT be aware that your plans sound rather naive.
The sad truth is that it is almost impossible to, privately, own a zoo in this country.
The authorities, probably quite rightly, view with suspicion anyone who tries. It would be much more feasible in a country like U.S. where the mighty dollar seems to override all else and irresponsible ratbags are allowed to keep animals like tigers in their basements.

Nevertheless it CAN happen. Examples? Mogo zoo on the N.S.W. southcoast and the rather grandiosely named National zoo at Canberra, which despite the name is privately owned. Be aware though that if it is to be anything other than a small "flea pit" you will need to be a multi millionaire.
 
Ara, as 22 year old my dreams are still youthful. sorry Blake, just a little tongue in cheek humour.
good luck man
 
Money isn't an issue...

The licensing and getting the animals is my issue. Everything else is good to go.

I'm being very serious with this and would appreciate any help.

Thank you.
 
Start at the department of environment and heritage.
 
Jo said:
Start at the department of environment and heritage.
Click to expand...

Agreed. In all seriousness, start with contacting your local state zoo, the regional zoo association and the state wildlife agency - you'll do a lot better that way than asking a group of mostly zoo "groupies", who probably can't give you the accurate advice you'll need if you plan to take your ideas any further. No doubt, you'll get lots of suggestions on here, but you'd be better getting your facts right to start with.
 
Contact the DEH, aswell as as many small parks as possible, join WEASA (wildife exhbitors association of SA), start with native you can run a native park on just a keep and sell permit, see how well your market is going before jumping to cats and primates, SA is a great state to run a Zoo in, what kind of demographic are you going for a park like Gorge Wildlife Park? or a Monarto type park. or something new and fresh
 
Thank you all.

I have made first contact with all of the above mentioned and awaiting replies from the correct people in the departments needed. Being the christmas break, a lot of people are still on holidays, crazy enough. Ha!

I do appreciate all of the help and will keep everyone posted on my progress if interested?

As for what type of Zoo I'm going for.... Well, I love Monarto, but something of that scale would be huge maintenance. I have only a little bit less land than Monarto, which is helpful to me.

I would be attempting something to the scale of Australia Zoo. It's a beautiful place and I loved every minute of it.

I'm trying to get ex circus animals before having to import.

Thank you all again.

Take care and I wish everyone a safe new years.

Blake Mitchell
 
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