Applause and paws for award to wildlife park

KOALAS had a chance this week to take a closer look at the international award Ballarat Wildlife Park had won.

One even got a paw on the trophy for the International Explorer Awards’ Wildlife Sanctuary of the Year 2025, which recognised the park for its work in conservation tourism and animal welfare.

This week the wildlife park received the award. The accolade also acknowledged the Ballarat organisation’s sustainability efforts, from water-saving initiatives to habitat restoration projects, and its contribution to community education.

Conservation and sustainability lead Cass Hancock said the award had been well received by wildlife park staff.

“Our whole team is so proud of this amazing achievement and recognition of our efforts towards conservation, both locally and internationally,” she said. “We’re excited to see what we can accomplish in the conservation space in the years to come.”

The awards celebrate environmental stewardship and sustainable tourism across more than 40 countries.

Chief executive officer Danielle Neil said the award was an honour for staff and the Ballarat community.

“It recognises the care, expertise and passion that underpin everything we do,” she said.

“Our mission has always been to protect wildlife, champion education and create memorable, meaningful animal connections for our visitors. To see that work celebrated internationally is incredibly rewarding.”

The wildlife park attracts more than 130,000 visitors each year.

It plans to expand sustainability programs and public engagement opportunities to increase visitors’ understanding about threatened species.

“This accolade encourages us to keep innovating and creating a world–class facility that the Ballarat community can be proud of,” Mrs Neil said.