Imagine a time before Melbourne sprawled. Imagine the Mornington Peninsula teeming with native wildlife. That’s the vision Michael Johnson brought to life at Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park.
Moonlit Sanctuary is not just a zoo. It’s a 25-acre biopark born from a childhood dream. Michael Johnson, inspired by conservationist Gerald Durrell, wanted to create a haven. A place where people could connect with Australia’s unique animals.
The Johnson family purchased the property in Pearcedale. Construction began in 1998. Over 10000 native Australian trees were planted. A two-acre wetland and lake were created. Over thirty animal enclosures were built. Moonlit Sanctuary officially opened in September 2001.
Here at Moonlit Sanctuary, you are more than a visitor. You are an explorer in a pre-European settlement landscape. Moonlit Sanctuary is home to over 400 animals. They represent over 60 different species.
During the day, experience the animals in a natural zoo setting. Hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies. Get close to koalas. Discover colourful birds and reptiles.
But Moonlit Sanctuary truly shines at night. Embark on an evening walk. A guide leads you through the bushland. Spotlights reveal nocturnal animals. Many of them are endangered. Hear fascinating talks and ask questions. Observe natural behaviours in their habitats.
Moonlit Sanctuary plays a vital role in conservation. They have successful breeding programs. These programs include the southern bettong and the eastern quoll. These animals are now extinct on the mainland. They are only found in the wild in Tasmania.
The park opened a new breeding facility in 2016. It’s designed for the critically endangered orange-bellied parrots. This is a testament to Moonlit Sanctuary’s commitment.
Moonlit Sanctuary is also dedicated to education. They offer programs for school children. Research facilities are available for graduate students.
Moonlit Sanctuary has received many awards. In 2009, it won the Victorian Keep Australia Beautiful award. This was for Preservation of the Environment. In 2010, it won the Victorian Tourism Award for Ecotourism. They won this award multiple times. In 2021 Moonlit Sanctuary was inducted into the Victorian Tourism Awards Hall of Fame.
Moonlit Sanctuary won the Premier’s Sustainability Award in 2017. This was for their Orange-bellied Parrot Breeding for Recovery program.
Michael Johnson’s dream lives on here at Moonlit Sanctuary. A dream of connecting people with nature. A dream of preserving Australia’s unique wildlife. A dream of hope for endangered species. The lantern light beckons. Come and experience the magic for yourself.