In January 2026, a concealed termite infestation was identified within the main Bunbury Wildlife Park building during routine on-site works. The termite damage, hidden within wall and roof cavities, had caused significant structural deterioration that was not visible or detectable through standard maintenance activities.
Upon discovery, the City acted immediately:
- The building was closed as a safety precaution
- All animals were safely relocated within hours
- Structural engineers were engaged to assess the extent of damage
- Detailed structural assessments were commissioned
The building closure and structural issues were communicated to the community immediately in January 2026. As detailed assessments have progressed, we are now able to provide the community with further information about the cause of the structural damage.
This was not a case of deferred maintenance or neglect – the termite damage was concealed within internal structural cavities and was not detectable through standard maintenance activities.
The City is currently working through the full scope of repairs required to the building. We will update this page as the project progresses.
Current Park Status
The Bunbury Wildlife Park is open and thriving.
The main building is infrastructure – the Wildlife Park is the animals, the keepers, the conservation programs, and the community who supports it.
During this period, our team has:
- Built a new macaw enclosure for Maui and Kotu
- Upgraded the wombat enclosure
- Refreshed the large bird aviary
- Installed a new Purple-crowned Lorikeet display near the entrance
- Established a new visitor entrance with a fully integrated arrival experience
- Expanded our animal collection with new conservation-focused species
- Launched daily Keeper Talks – learn about our animals from the people who know them best
- Continued delivering conservation, education, and memorable wildlife experiences
Visitor feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. We encourage our community to come and see what the team has achieved.
What You Can See & Do
| Experience | Details |
| All animal exhibits | Open and accessible |
| Walk-through aviaries | Native and exotic birds |
| Daily Keeper Talks | Multiple talks daily from 11am (hear stories about our Cockatoos, Macaws, Dingoes, Wombats, Possums, Woylies and Birds of Prey) |
| Squirrel Gliders | Family of six now on display |
| Purple-crowned Lorikeets | New aviary near the entrance |
| Big Swamp Playground | Adjacent to park |
| Picnic & BBQ facilities | Free BBQ, shaded gardens |
For the full Keeper Talk schedule, visit our What’s On page.
Visiting Information
| Open | Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm (last entry 3.15pm) |
| Entry | Via Gate 1 |
| Admission | Adults $20 | Children (2-16) $12.50 | Concession $15 | Family $52 |
| Includes | Feed bag with every admission |
Conservation & Accreditation
Bunbury Wildlife Park is proudly accredited with the Zoo and Aquarium Association of Australia (ZAA), recognising our commitment to positive animal welfare, conservation, and education.
Our current conservation programs include:
- Wildlife education programs – Inspiring the next generation to value and protect wildlife
- Native species conservation – Housing and caring for species significant to the South West region
- A family of Squirrel Gliders now on display as part of our commitment to showcasing native wildlife
- Species management and breeding programs in partnership with the Zoo and Aquarium Association of Australia
Frequently Asked Questions
A concealed termite infestation was identified within the building’s internal structure during routine on-site works. The damage was hidden within wall and roof cavities and was not visible or detectable through standard maintenance activities. The building was closed immediately as a safety precaution.
No. The termite damage was concealed within internal cavities and was not visible through standard maintenance activities. It was identified during routine on-site works and confirmed through subsequent structural assessment.
Detailed assessments to determine the full scope of repairs are currently in progress. A timeline for building works will be confirmed following completion of these assessments. We will update this page as the project progresses.
Yes. All animals were safely relocated within hours of the issue being identified and continue to receive excellent care from our experienced team. The park holds ZAA accreditation, recognising our commitment to the highest standards of animal welfare.
Absolutely. The park is fully operational with all exhibits and experiences available. Our team has used this period to rejuvenate the park grounds and visitor experience, and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. We encourage you to visit and see for yourself.
The Bunbury Wildlife Park has been a valued part of our community for nearly 40 years, delivering conservation, education, and meaningful wildlife experiences. The park is open, thriving, and celebrating its 40th anniversary in September 2026.
Timeline
| Date | Update |
| Jan 2026 | Concealed termite infestation identified during routine on-site works. Building closed, animals safely relocated. Park continued operating via alternative entrance. |
| Feb 2026 | Structural assessments commenced. Confirmed structural issues communicated publicly. |
| Mar 2026 | Closure (5 to 13 March) to complete site safety works and establish new operational facilities. Park reopened 13 March with new entrance and improved visitor experience. |
| June 2026 | Detailed assessments to determine full scope of building repairs in progress. Park operating fully with rejuvenated grounds and new animal exhibits. |
40 Years of Wildlife, Conservation & Community
Bunbury Wildlife Park first opened its doors on 14 September 1986 as ‘Big Swamp Bird Park’. Nearly 40 years later, it remains a place where our community connects with wildlife, learns about conservation, and creates lasting memories.
Celebrating our 40th anniversary in September 2026.
Contact
Questions about the Wildlife Park or building works?
📧 bunburywildlifepark@bunbury.wa.gov.au
📞 (08) 9792 7274
📍 Prince Philip Drive, Bunbury