Fauna park ready to welcome everyone for school holidays

Announced on March 6, the accreditation comes at no better time for the team down on Lake Rd according to visitor experiences manager Ariyana Gant, who has been working towards achieving the accreditation for the past six months.

“They don't give (the accreditation) to everyone, so it’s definitely a seal of approval for the team here,” Miss Gant said.

The accreditation was presented by the Victoria Tourism Industry Council and represents an ongoing commitment to excellence in conservation, education, and visitor experience by the park’s team.

Zoos Victoria chief executive Dr Jenny Gray said the organisation is thrilled to have all four locations honoured with the accreditation.

“We are so proud that all four of Zoos Victoria’s zoos are now carrying this accreditation, which is a reflection of our enduring commitment to conservation and sustainability in our operations and visitor experiences,” Dr Gray said.

The park’s tourism reputation isn’t the only thing changing, Miss Gant said there has been nonstop development at the park for the past couple of years.

“Every six months, this place looks different,” she said.

‘(The accreditation) just means that the trajectory of growth that Kyabram Fauna Park is the real deal.”

Although the accreditation is about their commitment to visitor tourism, Miss Gant emphasised the importance of having local support behind the park.

“We want to make sure that people know we still have the nuts and bolts of the original things you knew and loved about the fauna park… but know that everything that is changing, is changing for the better,” she said.

“We want people to come in and see what the changes are that we’re making. It’s not just a better-looking place – it’s going to be a better place for the welfare of the animals.

“So, it’s time to say, hey it’s time to, if you haven’t been here in two decades it’s time to come back and have a look,” she said.

The park will be starting the school holiday season with a bang, with craft sessions, giant bubbles and experiences where children can become zookeepers for the day.

To keep up to date with events at the Kyabram Fauna Park, head to its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/KyabramFaunaPark/ or visit its website www.zoo.org.au/kyabram