Shambala Animal Kingdom facts for kids
Cairns Wildlife Entrance
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| Date opened | June 2003 (as Mareeba Wild Animal Park) 2006 (as Cairns Wildlife Safari) 2012 (as Shambala Animal Kingdom) |
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| Date closed | April 2013 |
| Location | Kuranda Queensland |
| Land area | 53.16 hectares (131 acres) |
| Coordinates | 16°54′03″S 145°34′16″E / 16.9009°S 145.5712°E |
| No. of animals | 92 |
| No. of species | 25+ |
| Major exhibits | 22 |
Shambala Animal Kingdom was a large animal park located near Kuranda, Queensland, Australia. It covered about 53 hectares (131 acres). This park was owned by private individuals. Over the years, it was known by different names. These included "Cairns Wildlife Safari Reserve" and "Mareeba Wild Animal Park." It was also called "Out of Africa Reserve" for a time. After a lawyer from Sydney bought it, the zoo became "Shambala Animal Kingdom." The park closed its doors in April 2013. The owners said they closed it because of money problems.
The park was home to many different animals. It had both animals from other countries and native Australian animals. Most of the animals from other countries were moved to wildlife parks in Indonesia when the zoo closed.
Contents
A Look Back: The Zoo's History
The zoo first opened in June 2003. It was called the Mareeba Wild Animal Park. David Gill, who also owns a zoo in England, started it. The park closed for a short time in 2004. This happened because of problems getting permits for animals.
In September 2006, Udo and Jenny Jattke bought the zoo. They spent a lot of money to make it better. They reopened it as the Cairns Wildlife Safari Reserve. Many people who had volunteered there were offered jobs as animal keepers. In 2012, the zoo was sold again. Its name changed to Shambala Animal Kingdom. The zoo finally closed in April 2013. After trying to sell it as a zoo, the land and animals were sold separately.
Amazing Animals and Experiences
This animal park had many popular animals. It was famous for its large group of lions. There were also many kinds of primates and rhinos. Visitors could also enjoy special tours. These tours allowed people to see what happens behind the scenes at the zoo.
Meet the Animals of Shambala
Carnivores: Meat Eaters
Ungulates: Hoofed Animals
Primates: Monkeys and Apes
- Japanese macaque
- Ring-tailed lemur
- Siamang gibbon
- Sulawesi macaque
- Black-handed spider monkey
Birds: Feathered Friends
Reptiles: Scaly Creatures
Helping Animals: Conservation Efforts
Shambala Animal Kingdom worked to help protect animals. They sent lions to other zoos in Australia. This helped with special programs to breed more lions. These programs are important for keeping animal populations healthy.
In 2007, the park talked with Sea World in Gold Coast, Queensland. They discussed sending hippos to Sea World's new hippo exhibit.
In 2008, the zoo started a breeding program for Sumatran tigers. This followed advice from the Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA). The zoo's male tiger was paired with a female from another zoo. In 2009, the female tiger gave birth to a cub. Sadly, the cub passed away shortly after birth due to illness.
In March 2009, the park welcomed two Asian small-clawed otters. They came from UnderWater World at Mooloolaba.
In November 2009, the park became a full member of the Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA). This is a special group that sets high standards for zoos. Shambala was one of only three zoos in Queensland to get this membership at the time. However, this membership was later cancelled in 2012.
In March 2010, the zoo's only siamang was joined by two males. They came from Melbourne Zoo.
Challenges and Closure
In September 2006, an adult male African lion got out of its enclosure. It found a break in the fence. The zoo's curator, Tim Husband, quickly got the lion into a safe holding area. Vets then arrived to give it medicine to make it sleepy. They then returned it to its home.
In May 2010, the zoo faced financial difficulties. This meant that staff sometimes had their pay reduced. This was done to make sure the animals had enough food.
In March 2012, Shambala Animal Kingdom's membership with the Zoo Aquarium Association was removed.
Finally, in April 2013, the zoo closed its doors for good. All the animals were moved to other places.
