A zoo’s wild survival story has led to it becoming a leading Sunshine Coast business that is poised to expand.
Wildlife HQ, at Woombye, was announced as a finalist in the Sunshine Coast Business Awards, validating the eight-year journey of owner Julie Seabrook and CEO Jarrod Schenk.
Ms Seabrook was the general manager and Mr Schenk was the Sun Bear keeper at Brisbane-based Alma Park Zoo, before it was sold to make way for a housing development in 2014.
Mr Schenk said they had six months to relocate more than 200 animals.
“There was going to be no home for any of our animals and it was the most devastating experience of our lives,” he said via a press release.
“Out of desperation to save the zoo, and fear of what might happen to the animals, Julie and I stepped in and took on ownership of the animals and committed ourselves to building them a new home at the Big Pineapple.”
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The relocation was difficult.
“If you thought moving home was tough, try packing a herd of Indian Blackbuck, Red Pandas, troops of South American monkeys, a bearcat and pack of dingoes,” the zoo’s website said.
Mr Schenk said the move was met with raised eyebrows.
“In the beginning, so many people told us our zoo would not survive on the Sunshine Coast,” he said.
“They said there was already a huge, globally successful zoo (Australia Zoo) and we would not last 12 months.
“It felt a lot like David going up against Goliath … But we couldn’t think about that and we just had to make the zoo survive, somehow.”
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They invested time, energy and what resources they could into the zoo, and garnered support to grow a haven for wildlife and a favourite destination on for tourists.
“It feels incredible to think how far we have come since our early struggles,” Mr Schenk said.
“Being recognised as a finalist in the Sunshine Coast Business Awards was very emotional for our team.
“It just further validated our hard work and achievement, of not only moving and saving the zoo but turning it into a very successful and popular visitor destination.”
Mr Schenk said he had forged a strong bond with Ms Seabrook and the keeper team during the process.
“It has been an incredible zoo journey and we have always been there to support each other on such a huge responsibility as taking on all of these zoo animals’ lives.
“The weight of it can be so heavy at times that we have to be there for each other.”
Mr Schenk said the backing of locals made a difference.
“We have so much community support and it feels like this is our greatest strength,” he said.
The zoo boasts hundreds of species, including one of the largest collections of primates. It’s also involved in national endangered species management and breeding programs.
And there’s much more to come.
“Our future is looking so exciting,” Mr Schenk said. “We are looking at taking on more land at the Big Pineapple and expanding our animal collection.
“Our current footprint is nearly full. We need more space for more animals and we have big plans to expand.
“We are even considering a night type safari, where visitors can come on a guided tour and see our zoo animals by night.”
For more information on the zoo, see Wildlife HQ.
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