Department for Environment and Heritage

Cleland Wildlife Park

Bust of John Burton Cleland

The 1960s saw an increasing demand for the provision of bushland for public recreation and for the preservation of native flora and fauna. The current site in Cleland Conservation Park (then known as Cleland Wildlife Reserve) was chosen and, in 1965, development of a Native Fauna Zone began. The aim was to create an area for the preservation and conservation of native fauna and flora, educational activities, public recreation and a tourist attraction.

The park has evolved to provide visitors from all over the world with the opportunity to interact with a variety of South Australian animals. Visitors can also discover more about Australia's unique wildlife species and the role that we play in its conservation.

To reflect this diversity, habitats have been carefully recreated throughout the park to reflect diversity of ecosystems found across the state. Trained staff keep Cleland's captive wildlife population in good health.