Ballarat Wildlife Park fundraiser hits $10k in under a week

BALLARAT’S Wildlife Park was one of many area businesses hit hard by COVID-19 restrictions.

Owner Greg Parker said that the Park’s expenditure for animal welfare related products and services sit at around $46,000 a month.

“We do a lot of work behind the scenes and we’re not very good at telling people about it,” he said. “Zoos collectively can really make a difference in the future of native, endangered animals.

“However, this high level of care is extremely expensive.”

To assist the Wildlife Park’s operations, director of Small Dog Design, Darren Collinson, kick started a Go Fund Me page.

In just over a week, the online fundraiser already collected over $10,000 in donations from the regional community.

Mr Collinson said he was so grateful to the people of Ballarat and beyond for getting behind this cause.

“I’m honestly really proud,” he said. “I thought I’d get to $10,000 eventually because it kind of sells itself being for the animals but to reach it in five days was a huge surprise.

“I’m in constant contact with Greg and the team and they are so appreciative of the community support.

“I was chatting to Greg and he gave me really good insight into the struggle moving forward without any revenue coming in.

“It was heart breaking thinking about the animals especially. I realised, a few sponsorships and t-shirt sales wasn’t going to get them there and what they needed most was money.”

Still shy of the official target of $46,000, the fundraiser will continue to accept donations into the foreseeable future.

To donate to the Ballarat Wildlife Park effort visit gofundme.com/f/ballaratwildlifepark.