More support for zoos and mobile animal exhibitors

Businesses that exhibit animals have been provided financial support to help care of their animals under a new Queensland Government COVID-19 emergency funding package.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said many Queensland wildlife exhibitors had found it difficult to maintain the care and welfare of their animals with current business restrictions.

“Queensland has a unique and varied exhibited animal industry,” Mr Furner said.

“While support packages have recently been confirmed for tourism businesses and iconic animal parks at a State level and zoos and aquariums at a Federal level, the new assistance is helping animal exhibitors who were not eligible for those packages.

“In particular, mobile exhibits that show animal collections at a range of venues and very small wildlife parks may not be eligible for the larger funding packages.   

“We have listened and have made a fund of $500,000 available to help operators care for their animals as Queenslanders unite and recover.”

Mr Furner said the Emergency Animal Welfare COVID-19 Exhibited Animal Assistance Program was helping operators meet their animal welfare obligations and cover operational expenses while facing these unprecedented challenges.

“Eligible animal exhibitors can apply for a one-off grant. Eligible exhibitors include those that are ineligible for existing state and federal funding packages,” Mr Furner said. 

“This will give them some breathing space and ensure they can continue to care for their animals while going through the steps to reopen.”

For more information visit daf.qld.gov.au or email exhibitedanimalenquiry@daf.qld.gov.au

ENDS

Media contact:          Ron Goodman            0427 781 920