Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary Warrawong closing

Very disappointing. Especially considering the free admission during the day.

:(

Hix
 
Possibly. But from an educational standpoint it was brilliant. But no captive animals, so you had to go looking for the animals - and too much competition in the area (from Adelaide Zoo, Cleland, Monarto, Gorge and Humbug Scrub).

I never got to go at night (when you have to pay) and I decided last time that the next time I visited Adelaide I would overnight there as the accomodation was reasonably priced.

:(

Hix
 
Hix said:
too much competition in the area (from Adelaide Zoo, Cleland, Monarto, Gorge and Humbug Scrub).


Hix
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All of which you have to pay to visit. It probably sounds harsh, but if a freebie couldn't justify it's existence against such "competition" then it was probably the wrong attraction in the wrong place.
 
This is the announcement from management that was sent out to Zoos SA members yesterday before the media was notified.

They key message was blaming it on the local council for banning them from using their accommodation for school groups during their peak period in summer months.

Personally I think that's just a bit of a convenient excuse for cutting out a loss-making venture when they are already struggling under the weight of debt taken on by previous management at Adelaide zoo ... which was probably a good move anyway, as disappointing as it is to lose a facility like this.

Zoos SA to Cease Business Operations at Warrawong

I would like to take this opportunity to advise you that Zoos South Australia will cease business operations at Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary effective 1 March. Earlier today staff were personally advised of the closure.

In line with the Zoos SA 5-Year Business Plan, introduced in July 2012, the ZSA executive team in conjunction with the Board began a detailed assessment of our business operations, which included reviewing the business at Warrawong. A number of scenarios were considered and ultimately the decision came down to the fact that we are no longer in position to realise a sustainable return on investment from the property.

As many would be aware ZSA began business operations at Warrawong in June 2010 in partnership with the Ngarrindjeri people, who own the Warrawong land, with a vision to grow key revenue streams.

At the time of acquisition growing accommodation, function and conference revenue and increasing educational visits was key to the success of Warrawong. We recently received advice from the Adelaide Hills Council that we’re unable to use an educational facility, which provides overnight accommodation for school groups, and the use of our bush cabins and café area would have significant restrictions during the Fire Danger Season, 1 December to 30 April each year, unless a refuge building is constructed.

This period accounts for approximately 51% of our accommodation revenue, and on top of the revenue loss associated to the education accommodation, we can no longer absorb the loss nor afford the sizable investment and necessary infrastructure needed to upgrade the existing facilities.

Our number one priority now is to ensure a smooth transition for our staff. I’m pleased to say we’re in a position to absorb some of the Warrawong staff into similar roles across the organisation and will provide additional support to all staff where required.

Animal welfare is an important part of the transition period. Animals currently residing at Warrawong that Zoos SA introduced to the property or that require special care will be relocated to Adelaide or Monarto Zoo. This includes all kangaroos, wallabies, bettongs and quokkas as well as all presentation animals including caged birds, insects and reptiles. Once relocated we will be able to continue important conservation work with these endangered Australian species.

The platypus will remain on site as they are completely self-reliant, thriving at Warrawong well before ZSA took over management of the site, and are not dependent on special care. We will work with the Ngarrindjeri people to ensure their ongoing welfare and associated permits are transferred accordingly.

Throughout the assessment of our operations at Warrawong we have worked closely with the Ngarrindjeri and they have been informed of our decision to cease business operations. As the legal owners of the land it is ultimately up to them to consider options for the future use of the site.

To ensure a smooth transition for all involved we will maintain regular contact with the Ngarrindjeri people and both parties will continue to enjoy a close working relationship through the successful Aboriginal Learning on Country program running at Monarto Zoo.

We will be making a public announcement tomorrow morning and expect to receive media coverage from this announcement. The State Government and our key supporters have also been advised of the closure.

This decision was not made lightly and I hope our members understand the decision to cease our business operations at Warrawong is about creating a more sustainable operating model for ZSA designed to ensure our future prosperity and growth.

Sincerely,
Dr Carla Litchfield
President, Zoos SA
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Steve Robinson said:
All of which you have to pay to visit. It probably sounds harsh, but if a freebie couldn't justify it's existence against such "competition" then it was probably the wrong attraction in the wrong place.
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You probably hit the nail on the head there. Indeed, in my review of Warrawong after my visit last year, my advice was to not bother to go out of your way to visit when you had all the other zoos to visit in the vicinity that were much better. Clearly a lot of other people had a similar idea....

According to Sim's posted message from ZSA:
"Throughout the assessment of our operations at Warrawong we have worked closely with the Ngarrindjeri and they have been informed of our decision to cease business operations. As the legal owners of the land it is ultimately up to them to consider options for the future use of the site."

Here's hoping that they don't develop the land into farmland or housing, else it's bye-bye koalas and platypus.
 
This is a shame. I'm a big fan of enterprises like this, espcially for threatened species management, but they can never be expected to be profitable? Surely the SA Government would have really known this, despite the unexpected problems. They require an ongoing commitment from government and/or corporations to be successful.

I spoke to some Ngarrindjeri elders a few years ago for work purposes. They'd just got back from a trip to the US praising the system of setting up Casinos on native land to provide a good stream of revenue, so perhaps that's one option;)...but scratch that frivilous comment...I know they are excellent supporters of sustainable land and water use - would no doubt do a lot better job (again) of protecting the Coorong/Mt Lofty region and associated wildlife then Europeans have done/are doing thanks to our mismanagement throughout most of the Murray-Darling Basin....
 
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