The Bunbury Wildlife Park was originally known as “Big Swamp Bird Park”, officially opening to the public on 14 September 1986. Funding for the development of the Park came via the City of Bunbury and the park was leased to the The South West Avicultural Society who were responsible for its operations.
With its mission to educate the local community and tourists on the fauna of the South West, the Park’s main attraction was a walk-in aviary of 1300 square meters by 6 meters high, holding some 500 birds of 35 species including Finches, Lorrikeets, Parrots, Quail, Doves and some Softbills.
From mid-1990 control of the Park was passed on to a Management Committee before being privately leased from 1992 until 1996. The grounds and ownership remained under the ownership of the City of Bunbury.
In February 1997 the City of Bunbury resumed control of the Park and established an operational structure consisting of community volunteers.
The Bunbury Wildlife Park is home to hundreds of different species and is a refuge for animals that can no longer survive in the wild. That may be because they’ve been domesticated, injured or their habitat no longer exists.
The animals in our care help us with our mission to provide an interactive and engaging wildlife experience, that focuses on conservation, education and sustainability.
Bunbury Wildlife Park is proudly accredited with the Zoo Aquarium Association of Australia (ZAA) who recognises our commitment to positive animal welfare, conservation and education.
In order to achieve accreditation, ZAA uses a science-based model to assess animal welfare incorporating nutrition, environment, health, behaviour and mental health.
ZAA accredited zoos and aquariums operate to the highest levels and must be assessed every three years to retain accreditation.