Demonstrating wildlife
General information
A wildlife demonstrator licence is needed to display protected, international or prohibited wildlife in a travelling or temporary display. The holder of a wildlife demonstrator licence may also use wildlife kept under the licence for film or television display. This licence is issued under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (PDF)*.
A demonstrator must comply with the Code of practice: Minimum standards for exhibiting wildlife in Queensland (PDF, 381K)*.
It is in the applicant's interest to engage the department prior to constructing display facilities to avoid having to make costly modifications to exhibits once construction is complete, should they not comply with the code.
Guidelines and policies
Please read the information below to find out how to apply for a licence to carry out this type of activity.
You can also read the legislation online by visiting the Office of Queensland Parliamentary Counsel website.
Guideline: General requirements - Keeping and using protected, international or prohibited animals in Queensland (PDF, 98K)*
Guideline: Conditions and restrictions - Keeping exempt animals (PDF, 53K)*
Guideline: General requirements - Keeping and using exotic animals under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (PDF, 95K)*
Guideline: Conditions and restrictions - Keeping and using protected, international or prohibited animals under a wildlife demonstrator licence (PDF, 85K)*
Pre-design conference service
The department offers a service to guide applicants through the assessment process. The service includes meeting with a departmental project manager to discuss the information that must be provided with your application.
This service can be initiated by contacting Permit and Licence Management or by email at palm@derm.qld.gov.au or completing a Pre-design conference application form (Word, 285K)‡. If a meeting is required to discuss your application in more detail, a departmental officer will contact you directly.
Permits and approvals
To apply for this type of licence, you need to lodge a completed application form.
Forms and fees
Please download an application form; contact Permit and Licence Management or email palm@derm.qld.gov.au for assistance.
Application form: Wildlife demonstrator licence (Word, 326K)‡
Return of operations: Wildlife demonstrator licence (Word, 319K)‡
* Requires Adobe Reader
‡ Requires Microsoft Office files viewer
Last updated 3 May 2012