Tasmania Zoo, Wildlife sanctuary in West Tamar, Australia.
Tasmania Zoo is a wildlife facility in West Tamar that houses over 100 animal species across expansive grounds. The enclosures are designed to reflect natural habitats, accommodating both Australian and international animals.
The facility opened in 2003 beginning with a modest collection of birds and local species. It has since grown into Tasmania's largest animal collection.
Richard Warren founded the zoo in 2003 as a "legacy to Tasmania" so locals could see exotic and endangered animals without leaving the state. His daughter Rochelle Penney recalled his special affinity for endangered species. The zoo runs Devil's Heaven, a Tasmanian devil breeding program, and keeps animals for birthday parties, private events and "adoptions".
The zoo lies in Riverside, within the West Tamar area north of Launceston, on 900 acres of old growth native bushland. It is open year-round, and birthday parties, private events and animal encounters can be arranged. The zoo receives no government funding, relying on attendance, donations and corporate sponsorships.
The zoo holds Australia's second-largest primate collection among private zoos, and on Christmas Day 2019 it received three male golden lion tamarins from Mogo Zoo in New South Wales. The endangered Brazilian monkeys, named Fraggle, Mokey and Olmec, were kept with hopes of later adding a female for breeding.
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