Transforming Wildlife - A Collaboration with Aquascape Australia and Wildlife HQ Zoo

Words and images: Aquascape Australia; 2023

In the world of landscaping, we bear a profound responsibility that transcends mere aesthetics. It's a calling to create environments that not only enrich our lives but also pay homage to the extraordinary creatures who share our planet. LQ Supplier Member and Partner Aquascape Australia are dedicated to their work with Wildlife HQ, where every landscaping project becomes an opportunity to create a haven for the resident animals. This collaboration not only benefits the remarkable creatures under their care but also offers a pathway for aspiring Certified Aquascape Contractors to embark on a journey that harmonises human living spaces with the natural world. There are 2 primary duties that apply to everyone in Queensland:

In the heart of the picturesque Sunshine Coast, Wildlife HQ Zoo stands as a testament to dedication and a shared passion for both animals and nature. This unique haven, situated at the iconic Big Pineapple, hosts a diverse array of native and exotic animals from around the globe. The journey of Wildlife HQ Zoo is a narrative akin to the legendary tale of Noah's Ark, led by the visionary Julie Seabrook and her devoted team of Keepers.

The story begins with the closure of Alma Park Zoo in March 2014, which made way for a housing development. Facing the challenge of relocating a remarkable ensemble of 200 animals, Julie Seabrook emerged as a modern-day Noah, orchestrating the move to their new sanctuary – Wildlife HQ Zoo. This feat involved not just packing belongings, but entire communities of creatures ranging from Indian Blackbucks to Red Pandas, South American monkeys to a bearcat, and even a pack of dingos. This moment marked the beginning of a new chapter for both the animals and their dedicated caretakers.

Central to the Wildlife HQ story is the commitment to maintaining intricate social relationships within animal communities. Instead of dispersing these complex bonds to various locations, the decision was made to keep the animals together in their tightly-knit groups. This choice ensured their collective health, well-being, and the continuity of relationships nurtured over years. Beyond being a zoo, Wildlife HQ became a haven where these connections could thrive, and where keepers could continue their profound relationships with the animals they had worked alongside for so long.

Enter LQ Member Aquascape Australia, a renowned name in the realm of aquatic landscaping. Over the past seven years, their collaboration with Wildlife HQ Zoo has yielded astounding results. In particular, their dedicated Certified Aquascape Contractors (CACs) have orchestrated the creation of six distinct animal environments that have truly transformed the zoo's landscape.

The partnership has extended far beyond typical landscaping endeavours. Aquascape Australia's CACs have demonstrated their exceptional skill and understanding in building and designing enclosures that mimic the natural habitats of each animal. From dingos to capybaras and spider monkeys, each enclosure has been thoughtfully crafted to ensure the animals' comfort and well-being.

These enclosure builds are just one integral component of Aquascape Australia’s comprehensive training opportunities for both existing and new CACs. These collaborative builds at Wildlife HQ Zoo have served as advanced training workshops for CACs that want to enhance their skill sets in a hands-on environment. These collaborative builds paired with regular workshops and seminars ensure that the dedicated group of CACs that attend continue to provide and deliver projects to their customers that remain unmatched in the aquascape and landscaping industry.

The collaboration between Aquascape Australia and Wildlife HQ Zoo stands as a remarkable example of how expertise and passion can come together to create environments that honour the inhabitants and their intricate needs. This synergy has not only transformed the landscape but also enhanced the quality of life for the animals and deepened the connection between the zoo and its visitors.

For those captivated by this narrative of transformation, a comprehensive tour of these projects can be experienced on Greg Wittstock the Pond Guy's YouTube channel. This captivating journey showcases the remarkable achievements that have unfolded at Wildlife HQ Zoo through the lens of Aquascape Australia's expertise and innovation.

The story of Wildlife HQ Zoo shows how working together can make amazing things happen. It's a reminder that when people and nature come together in landscaping, it can result in something truly wonderful. The collaboration with Aquascape Australia and their CACs has not only reshaped physical landscapes but also enriched lives – both human and animal – in ways that continue to be an inspiration for all of us.