Financial support from the Federal Government is now flowing to Wildlife HQ to help cover the operational costs of caring for their animals.

As we head into the school holidays support from the community will also go a long way to ensuring the zoo’s continued success.

Federal Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien said the funding was part of the Federal Government’s package to help exhibiting zoos and aquariums get through the COVID-19 crisis.

“A lump sum of nearly $50,000 has been released to Wildlife HQ to assist with their animal welfare expenses.  This includes feed, enclosure, health and other specialised care expenses, as well as utilities directly related to housing and caring for animals,” Mr O’Brien said.

Wildlife HQ CEO Jarrod Schenk described the funding as a lifeline. “We’re very thankful for the funding. It’s something we didn’t expect or anticipate when we closed the gates back in March so the announcement that there would be funding for our industry was definitely seen as a lifeline to save a lot of zoos and our industry,” Mr Schenk said.