Ian_ Snakes Downunder Reptile and Park and Zoo
Ian started his business in 2001 as an onsite reptile demonstration setup. By 2007, the zoo was born and has extended since then. From beginning with all reptiles, they have now grown to have nearly 200 animals including mammals and some exotic mammals and reptiles. They are a smaller zoo that offers a more intimate experience through three demonstration shows daily as well as their animal encounters and guided tours.
Covid19 forced Ian to close the zoo completely for thirteen weeks starting in mid to late March. During this period there was no income whatsoever, making it a very difficult time. He found this time the hardest as there were limited resources but still all the animals to care for and nurture: “That was tricky, a bit scary” Ian stated. However, he still felt that there were many other businesses in a harder situation, he stated: “We always look at what other businesses have had to go through, with restaurants and bars and cafes and so on, you know we are a lot better off then some, it’s been a struggle, but we are managing”.
During this time the community rallied to support the zoo, Ian told me: “We did some fundraising, adopt an animal and that sort of thing, which was supported tremendously. And help from local supermarkets and that sort of thing with food which is ongoing. And then Federal government came in with a grant to help us with the actual care of animals”.
Due to restrictions, even once the zoo could reopen, they were no longer able to do the daily demonstration shows and the public had to prebook. In order to compensate for this Ian reduced prices and provided guided tours for anyone who came to visit the zoo. He was heartened and said it was “lovely” the way the public responded and their willingness to adapt to this new way of operating.
Ian was and is so grateful to the community, to Queenslanders and to the Federal government for their support. And, to his dedicated staff who even when there was no pay would volunteer their time so that the animals were cared for, saying “It was no hassle to anybody, so I would really like people to know how much we appreciate the staff”.
I am happy to write that after this interview Ian was able to reopen the demonstration shows and keeper talks at the zoo as restrictions were further lifted.
A big thank you to Ian and the zoo for their time and sharing their story.
Image 3 shows Matty and Ian. Matty is a wild, visually impaired Lumholtz tree-kangaroo. He was found doing circles in a paddock and was rescued by Snakes Downunder Reptile Park and Zoo. Unfortunately, he can’t be released because of his visual impairment as he can only see movement and so it would be not be sufficient to survive in the wild.
Snakes Downunder Reptile Park and Zoo, 51 Lucketts Road, Childers QLD 4660
Ph: (07) 4126 3332
http://www.snakesdownunder.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Snakes-Downunder-Reptile-Park-and-Zoo-186933651330325