Wildlife Habitat — Attraction in Port Douglas

I visited the Wildlife Habitat several months ago and believed the marketing about their concerns for animal welfare. What I saw was a spectacle, in many cases worse than a roadside zoo, if animal safety is a consideration. I have read reviews from past visitors who complained of animal cruelty and insufficient space for the animals kept captive. I see that the standard response is how you are providing "larger than the government stipulated minimum requirement.” This is not good enough - quite honestly - especially if your messaging is about the "observation, appreciation, and conservation" of native animals. It makes visitors who have any understanding of naturalistic and species-specific behaviors incredibly sad/angry at the inadequacies to meet very basic needs. Especially the nocturnal animal viewing area. A person is unable to see the animals - and the snakes are kept in terrariums that are so small, there is sparse room for them to even move. People walk past these exhibits because they are unable to see anything - what is the point of keeping these poor creatures captive at all?

Another significant issue when it comes to animal welfare was the lack of supervision when it comes to interacting with the animals. I witnessed tiny birds being chased by children, and a near miss where one was nearly crushed underfoot on the walkway. There is even a sign post warning visitors not to step on baby animals. The fact that this is even a possibility at a 'rescue and rehabilitation facility' seems incredibly careless.

While I was there I also witnessed a dying bat enmeshed in the wire, a bird who had a badly broken wing, and people entering animal exhibits and/or chasing animals with complete disregard of their welfare (with no staff monitoring to ensure animal safety). I have seen roadside zoos where the animals are better protected. My doctoral research focuses upon zoos and rehabilitation centers and I thought the Habitat could provide a positive example. I am saddened that the price of my ticket contributed to maintaining this type of animal...

Not alot going on. Not many animals. The bridge walk through the Avery was nice with all the birds & plants. We liked the crocodile part with the 2 big saltys & pond area. Bought a $29 photo pass for my 7 year old daugther to hold a baby koala & was told too line up at 12.50pm. Still waiting well past 1.15pm for the photographer lady too slowly walk up and get all her stuff ready. Other people started lining up for photos. I noticed a sign saying "put yourself in the photo".. i then asked the photographer if this is a photo with a real animal or not. It was with an animal, then i said my daughter has been wanting a pic with a koala all holiday... She said oh Unfortunately she's too little & the wildlife keeper probably won't let her hold one for a photo. I suggested her father be in the photo with My daughter, shes shaken her head "No,. I asked what seems too be the issue?? No answer.. i suggested then if the wildlife keeper can be with my Eden while she gets a photo. Was told No. So was left more than disappointed 😞 because of the 40min wait in the heat too be told "No photo". If the girl at the front counter had let us know before hand we all would of appreciated that. It pretty much ruined our time there & we won't be back!! Where Refunded $29.00 no problems!! It is alot of money $118.00 for a family pass too walk around a Bird Avery & see 4 over heated kangaroos & 2 big salty crocs. We Highly recommend Hartleys Adventure park, same cost & way more too do with a better,...

Beautiful, very well maintained park with happy animals in very natural appearing habitats. We got to hold beautiful birds that were gorgeous and very friendly. lots of information in the park of the various animals, species and their names. Different areas of the park well signed and easy to read on the map. Was really nice to see the walking trails clearly stating to stick to the path so that the animals could rest away from people. The animals looked very content and comfortable in their surroundings and with ample opportunity to move away from people. Food and water bowls all clean as well as the habitats. We went to have a coffee at the cafe but was shut at 2 and packed away which we thought was a bit odd as the park shuts at 4:30 but that wasn’t a big deal. It was a weekday so maybe that was why? Highly recommend coming here and buying the pellets to feed the kangaroos! Also feeding the turtles was so fun. At the water’s edge they had a dispenser where if you put $1 in the machine it dispenses a small handful of pellets to feed the turtles with. As soon as the turtles heard the dispenser, over 10 of them appeared from the depths to eat it was hilarious. There was an eel-tailed catfish there too and he also enjoyed the pellets and trying to pinch them from the turtles! Love the nocturnal area too, it was beautiful and the animal’s habitats were beautiful curated. We had an awesome time here. Great for...