THE SANCTUARY

The Dingo Discovery Sanctuary and Research Centre, established in 1990, aims to:

  1. Preserve and conserve the gene pool of the original dingo by means of a breeding establishment that utilises the best possible husbandry methods, of which can continue for as long as necessary to conserve the collection into the future.
  2. Educate the public on the species ecological function in Australian ecosystems, and the unique, undomesticated identity of the species.
  3. Advocate for and reverse the misconceptions surrounding the dingo, and to foster appropriate respect for the individual and species as a whole.
  4. Facilitate non-invasive scientific research into the biology and cognitive abilities of the dingo.
  5. Participate in the future rehabilitation of the dingo into suitable, safe habitats in cooperation with authorities and scientific monitoring projects.
  6. Solve the mystery of the true origins of Australia’s only wild canid.

The Sanctuary is a unique conservation establishment set on 40 acres in the picturesque foothills of the Macedon Ranges. It is situated only 35 minutes from the CBD to Melbourne’s north west, in the City of Melton, abutting the Pyrete State Forest, and only 30 minutes from Melbourne Airport.

Although not officially open to the public on a full-time basis, many hundreds of visitors from around the world find their way to this haven annually to learn about the dingoes, and enjoy the outstanding views across Melbourne suburbs, city and bays. This is arranged either by open days (July-August), special bookings and group tours. Visitors are welcome only by prior appointment, as we do not operate as a petting zoo or zoo.

We believe that our exceptional facility that is home to over 40 dingoes, along with our envisioned eco-friendly Visitor Interpretative and Education Centre, has and will become a hub for all of the activities of The Australian Dingo Foundation and be a showcase for the aims of our mission.

The Sanctuary supplies zoos and wildlife parks with dingoes for exhibition, so that educational awareness can be promoted on a larger-scale. The Sanctuary is proud to have provided the beautiful examples of Australian dingo exhibited by major zoos and fauna parks worldwide. This includes Australia Zoo, Wellington Zoo, Taronga Zoo (Dubbo), Queensland Zoo, Oakvale Farm and Fauna Park (NSW), Fort Wayne Zoo Indiana (USA), Bronx Prospect Park Zoo (New York), Bredl’s Wildlife Wonder World (Renmark, SA), Bunbury Zoo, Quindalup Fauna Park, and Marapana Wild Life Park (WA), Ipswich Nature Park, and Brisbane Zoo (QLD), Pearcedale Moonlit Zoo, Halls Gap Wildlife Park (VIC), and many others.