Zambi Wildlife Foundation
- neighbourhoodmedia

- Aug 22
- 3 min read
Western Sydney's Hidden Sanctuary of Compassion & Conservation
Just over 45 minutes drive from the heart of Parramatta, you’ll find the Zambi Wildlife Retreat (279 Park Rd, Wallacia). A peaceful, purpose-built sanctuary for animals. Operated by the Zambi Wildlife Foundation, this not-for-profit retreat blends compassionate care, global conservation awareness, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

A Mission with Heart
Zambi is no ordinary animal park. Built entirely for the welfare of its residents, the sanctuary is home to animals that have come from a myriad of backgrounds, not always good. It started as a sanctuary for big cats retired from the entertainment industry and privately owned zoos and has continued to grow to now be home to a diversity of exotic species. Animals such as majestic big cats to curious meerkats, each resident has a story, and each receives lifetime care in a safe, tranquil environment.
The Foundation’s broader mission is to raise global awareness for endangered and vulnerable species, using education, empathy, and community engagement as powerful tools for change. Whether supporting conservation programs in Australia or collaborating with international partners, Zambi’s reach extends far beyond its Wallacia boarders.
A Sanctuary with Purpose
Zambi limits public access deliberately. This ensures its residents can live in peace and without the stress of constant crowds. For those lucky enough to visit, the experience is intimate, personal, and deeply moving. There are small-group guided tours, with encounters that will see you hand-feeding lions, meeting the meerkats up close, and observing the exotic animals in a relaxed, natural setting. These tours run on weekends and are by appointment only. Proceeds directly fund animal care, from nutritious diets to specialised veterinary support.

Beyond the Gates: Conservation in Action
The Zambi Wildlife Foundation doesn’t stop at offering refuge- it’s an active participant in on-the-ground conservation efforts. Locally, Zambi has worked with Western Sydney Parklands to give the abandoned and critically endangered Przewalski’s horses a safe home. Globally, it engages in collaborative projects and taps into an extensive network to amplify its conservation message.
Unique Encounters and Gift Experiences
If you’re looking for something extraordinary for yourself- or the perfect gift for an animal lover- Zambi offers gift certificates for exclusive wildlife experiences. Options range from hand-feeding sessions with big cats to spending time in the meerkat enclosure or having little monkeys climbing on you.. These aren’t tourist gimmicks; they’re carefully designed, educational encounters that foster empathy for the animals and a deeper understanding of their needs. For Parramatta’s corporate crowd, a trip to Zambi can be a restorative weekend outing or even a unique corporate team-building experience under the sanctuary’s safari-style tent during the week.
Cultural Respect and Connection
Zambi proudly acknowledges the Dharung people as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which the sanctuary operates, paying respect to Elders past, present, and emerging. This recognition is woven into Zambi’s ethos of respect- not just for wildlife, but for the land and culture that sustain them.
Show Your Support
With around 80% of its team made up of volunteers, Zambi relies on the generosity of visitors and donors to continue its work. Contributions- whether one-off, monthly, or through gift certificates- help ensure every animal at Zambi lives its days in an enriching, safe and peaceful environment with dignity.
Whether you’re seeking an adventure, a corporate team day, or simply an inspiring day out, Zambi Wildlife Retreat offers something rare: the chance to connect, up close and personally, with some of the planet’s most remarkable animals—and help protect them in the process
Zambi Wildlife Retreat 279 Park Road, Wallacia (approx. 45 mins from Parramatta)





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