Kyabram Fauna Park has officially become part of the Zoos Victoria family, with the completion of upgraded facilities, and an extension of the Andrews Labor Government's Kids Go Free initiative.
The transition of the management of Victoria's fourth zoo - Kyabram Fauna Park - to Zoos Victoria will see a boost in regional tourism and jobs, supported by $3 million from the Labor Government.
Children under 16 will now receive free admission to Kyabram Fauna Park on weekends, public holidays and school holidays as part of a $20 million Government initiative, which already includes free entry to Zoos Victoria's other properties: Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Open Range Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary.
A new visitor centre at Kyabram Fauna Park, refurbished Education and Conservation Centre, improved animal exhibits, predator-proof fencing and pathways mark the completion of $1.94 million in infrastructure works - part of a $2.7 billion Labor Government package to create jobs, tourism and support local economies.
Situated on 55 hectares of parkland and wetlands in northern Victoria, Kyabram Fauna Park has more than 600 animals, including Tasmanian devils, quolls, dingoes, koalas, kangaroos, wombats, echidna, emus and southern cassowary. A mob of meerkats has also recently arrived.
Kyabram Fauna Park has cared for willdife and delivered conservation programs since 1979, including planting more than 7,000 trees and plants to create habitat to provide food and shelter for free-ranging wildlife and encouraging the return of 35 species of birds to the local Kyabram area.
The Park, a 30-minute drive from Shepparton or Echuca, is well placed for Zoos Victoria to expand its critical wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and conservation work in northern Victoria, utilising the expertise and experience of the Kyabram Fauna Park team.
The Labor Government has invested more than $305 million in Zoos Victoria since 2014. Over the same period, the Government has invested more than $560 million in protecting biodiversity - more than any other in Victorian history - working to halt the decline of Victoria's plants and animals through the landmark plan Biodiversity 2037.
As stated by Minister for the Environment and Climate Action Lily D'Ambrosio:
"As part of Zoos Victoria, Kyabram Fauna Park can continue its important conservation work, including connecting more visitors with nature and wildlife."
As stated by Kyabram Fauna Park Committee of Management Chair Marg Allan:
"Locals and visitors alike will have an enhanced visitor experience with all the upgrades, new visitor entry, café and retail space at Kyabram Fauna Park."
As stated by Zoos Victoria Chief Executive Officer Jenny Gray:
"We are delighted to welcome Kyabram Fauna Park as Zoos Victoria's fourth zoo and further expand our fighting extinction work across Victoria."
