Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park in Pearcedale officially unveiled its new purpose-built Aquatic Fauna Conservation Facility on Tuesday 10 February.
The opening, conducted by Jordan Crugnale MP, Member for Bass, marked a major milestone in the sanctuary’s 25th year of wildlife conservation.
This cutting-edge facility represents a significant investment in the future of Australia’s threatened aquatic species.
Featuring precise environmental controls and fully adaptable tank systems, the space has been designed to support long-term husbandry, research, and conservation breeding programs.
The first residents, Eastern Dwarf Galaxias (Galaxiella pusilla), have arrived heralding the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the organisation.
The Eastern Dwarf Galaxias is a small endemic freshwater species found in parts of Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia.
Once more widespread, its populations have become fragmented due to wetland drainage, habitat loss, climate pressures, and competition from introduced species.
The species is currently listed as Endangered in Victoria, making dedicated conservation efforts like this facility more important than ever.
Michael Johnson, owner and director of Moonlit Sanctuary, said: “When we opened Moonlit Sanctuary 25 years ago, our goal was always to create meaningful change for Australia’s wildlife.
“This new facility allows us to extend that commitment into the freshwater space, where species like the Eastern Dwarf Galaxias urgently need our help. It’s incredibly rewarding to see this work come to life.”
Jordan Crugnale MP, Member for Bass praised Moonlit Sanctuary for its ongoing commitment to wildlife conservation.
“Congratulations to the amazing team at Moonlit Sanctuary as you celebrate this special milestone,” she said.
“Your important work, and the tremendous support received from your valued stakeholders, greatly strengthens wildlife conservation.”
Moonlit Sanctuary also extended thanks to Chris Lamin (Middle Creek Farm) and Greg Martin (Aquariums by Design) for their expertise and hands-on collaboration throughout the project.
The two worked closely with Ectotherm coordinator Jamieson Brodie, and their guidance was crucial in designing the sophisticated systems that now support these delicate freshwater fish, according to the Sanctuary.
The opening of this facility is a long-term commitment to restoring and safeguarding Australia’s freshwater biodiversity.
Over time, the facility will expand to house additional threatened aquatic species, strengthening Moonlit Sanctuary’s role in national conservation efforts.
As part of the sanctuary’s 25th anniversary celebrations, the launch event on 10 February
welcomed partners, supporters, and media to witness the next chapter in Moonlit Sanctuary’s mission to protect and restore wildlife.
The construction of this facility was supported by the Victorian Government with a Nature Fund grant through the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.
Located only a 50-minute drive from Melbourne’s CBD and on the way to Phillip Island, the park is home to over 70 species and more than 400 animals.
Visitors can wander around 10 hectares of Australian bushland, meeting endangered species, feeding kangaroos, and wallabies. They can also enjoy up-close encounters with koalas, birds, wombats, dingoes and more.
Many animals roam freely around the Sanctuary, including a variety of water birds that call Moonlit’s wetlands home. Visitors will also find curious and friendly kangaroos and wallabies to feed along their way through the park.
The park offers a range of experiences with Australian animals, including its exclusive Behind the Scenes tour, 11 different encounters each day, 10 keeper talks daily, Keeper for a Day and the popular Conservation in Action show.
Moonlit Sanctuary observes the highest standards of animal welfare and husbandry, and is welfare accredited with the Zoo Aquarium Association. It has won various awards for both tourism and conservation work.
