Oakvale Wildlife Park, Wildlife park in Salt Ash, Port Stephens, Australia
Oakvale Wildlife Park is a wildlife sanctuary spread across natural bushland with enclosures holding native Australian animals, farm animals, and exotic species such as lemurs. The grounds are laid out so visitors can move from one animal area to another throughout the site.
The Sansom family founded this animal sanctuary in November 1979, converting former farmland into a center for over 110 species. What began as a family project has grown into an established wildlife facility.
The park takes its name from the oak trees that dot the grounds and serves as a place where visitors learn about animals through observation and direct interaction. Daily feeding sessions and keeper talks show how the animals are cared for and why they matter.
The park is easy to navigate on foot, with clear paths connecting the animal areas and viewing spots from most locations. Wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection, as much of the grounds are open and exposed.
Visitors can touch and feed around 70 percent of the animals under supervision, a rare chance to have direct contact with exotic and native species. These hands-on experiences occur during set times throughout the day.
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