Exhibiting wildlife
General information
[Exhibiting wildlife (e.g. wildlife parks and zoos]
A wildlife exhibitor licence is needed to display protected, international or prohibited wildlife in a zoological exhibit. A zoological exhibit is characterised by the presence of permanent enclosures to keep and use wildlife for display. The holder of a wildlife exhibitor licence may also use wildlife kept under the licence for film or television display. This licence is issued under the Nature Conservation Act 1992.
A zoological exhibit must comply with the Code of practice: Minimum standards for exhibiting wildlife in Queensland.
It is in the applicant's interest to engage the department early on in the development and construction of the facility 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. The information sheet includes details about fees.
You can also read the legislation online by visiting the Office of Queensland Parliamentary Counsel website.
Information sheet: Wildlife exhibitor licence
Guideline: General requirements - Keeping and using protected, international or prohibited animals in Queensland
Guideline: Conditions and restrictions - Keeping exempt animals
Guideline: General requirements - Keeping and using exotic animals under the Nature Conservation Act 1992
Guideline: Conditions and restrictions - Keeping and using protected, international or prohibited animals under a wildlife exhibitor licence
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 the Ecoaccess Customer Service Unit on 1300 368 326 or by email at eco.access@epa.qld.gov.au or completing a Pre-design conference application form. 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. The Code of practice: Minimum standards for exhibiting wildlife in Queensland covers:
- Husbandry
- Feeding
- Record-keeping
- Transporting wildlife
- Establishing a wildlife park
Forms and fees
Please download an application form or contact the Ecoaccess Customer Service Unit on 1300 368 326 for assistance.
Application form: Wildlife exhibitor licence
Return of operations: Wildlife exhibitor licence
Last updated: 06 January 2006