Forty years of wildlife, wonder and community at Bunbury Wildlife Park

Bunbury Wildlife Park marks 40 years this September, celebrating four decades of connecting the community with Australia’s unique native animals.

The park first opened its gates on 14 September 1986 as ‘Big Swamp Bird Park’, beginning life as a haven for hundreds of birds and quickly becoming a much-loved destination for local families and visitors to the South West.

Over four decades, the park has grown and evolved into one of the region’s most beloved attractions – welcoming Fairy Penguins in 1992, koalas in 1994, wombats later that same year, and in 2017, the arrival of dingo pups Mezzy and Kaal (Fire). The City of Bunbury resumed operation of the park in February 1997 and has managed it since.

Today, Bunbury Wildlife Park is home to a diverse collection of native and exotic species and is proudly accredited with the Zoo and Aquarium Association of Australia, recognising its commitment to high standards of animal welfare, conservation and education.

Bunbury Mayor Jaysen Miguel said the milestone was a chance to reflect on what the park means to the community.

“For 40 years, Bunbury Wildlife Park has been a place where children meet a kangaroo for the first time, where school groups learn about conservation, and where families create memories that last a lifetime,” Mayor Miguel said.

“Generations of visitors have walked through the gates. There are parents bringing their own children now who first came here as kids themselves. That connection is something quite special.

“This milestone belongs to the community as much as the park – to the volunteers, the schools, the keepers, and everyone who has supported it over four decades”.

Bunbury Wildlife Park Team Leader Coni Zangari said the park’s role in conservation and education had grown significantly over the years.

“It is a privilege to care for a place that holds so many special memories for our community, while ensuring the park continues to grow, inspire and connect future generations with wildlife,” Ms Zangari said.

As part of the anniversary, the park has been delving into its archives – uncovering photographs and stories spanning four decades, many preserved through the pages of the South Western Times, Bunbury Herald, Leschenault Reporter and other local publications.

From animal arrivals and special occasions to everyday moments at the park, the images offer a glimpse into the role Bunbury Wildlife Park has played in community life since 1986.

Now the park is inviting the community to help add to that story.

“We know there are countless photographs and stories sitting in family albums and old shoeboxes across Bunbury,” Ms Zangari said.

“Someone’s holiday snap from 1990 might be the only photo we have of an animal or a moment in the park’s history. We’d love people to share them.”

Community members with photographs or memories of the park are encouraged to email them to wildlifepark@bunbury.wa.gov.au

"After 40 years, some of the park’s most treasured memories belong to the community. We’d love to bring those stories together,” Ms Zangari said.

The park continues to deliver daily Keeper Talks, walk-through aviaries, and up-close wildlife experiences, alongside conservation and education programs that inspire visitors to value and protect Western Australia’s native species.

Bunbury Wildlife Park is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm.

For more information visit the Bunbury Wildlife Park website.