From 10am–3pm, the sanctuary will be buzzing with conservation workshops, live music, roving performers and colourful face painting for kids. Wildlife talks, keeper presentations and encounters will also run throughout the day as usual.
At 11:30am, visitors are invited to gather for a special ceremony featuring a Welcome to Country, brief reflections on the sanctuary’s 25-year journey, and a birthday cake cutting led by Owner/Director Michael Johnson.
Local favourites will add to the festivities with Treand Winery pouring regional wines and Tar Barrel Brewery serving craft beer.
Visitors can also dive into nature-themed crafts, interactive conservation workshops and stalls run by local environmental organisations. These activities highlight simple actions families can take at home to support wildlife.
While the 25th anniversary Community Day is the year’s first major celebration, we are also rolling out an exciting series of conservation-focused developments across 2026.
As well as our usual timetable of Keeper Talks and Shows and Animal Encounters, we have many additional activities and extra entertainment on today.
Look out for our Koala Mascot! He’ll be out and about throughout the day.
Visit our Interactive Touch Table at the Reptile Centre.
Make sure you grab a Birthday Bingo card at admissions for some extra fun.
Spot the clues on the card to make five in a row as you explore the park.
Remember to bring a pen or pencil.
Freshwater conservation takes centre stage. In February, the sanctuary opened its new Aquatic Fauna Conservation Facility, dedicated to threatened freshwater species. Its first residents, Eastern Dwarf Galaxias, have already settled in which is a significant step forward for freshwater protection in Victoria.
Backyard Bird Aviary. The Backyard Bird Aviary is an immersive experience showcasing local and endangered bird species that will open in April. This exhibit will highlight practical ways households can support biodiversity, from pollinator-friendly planting to building nest boxes, bee hotels and microbat shelters. It will also champion Zoos and Aquariums Australasia’s Safe Cat, Safe Wildlife campaign, promoting responsible pet ownership.
New homes for threatened species. Later in the year, we will unveil state-of-the-art habitats for Spot-tailed Quolls and Tasmanian Devils, built with a strong focus on welfare, enrichment and conservation outcomes.
Honouring Country. The upgraded Bush Food Garden will also be revealed later this year, celebrating the Bunurong people and showcasing the connection between native plants, culture and wildlife.
A gala to close out the year. The anniversary program will culminate in November with the Friends and Founders Gala Night, a cocktail-style evening bringing together conservationists, long-time supporters and friends of the sanctuary.
Moonlit Sanctuary acknowledges the Bunurong / Boon Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of the land on which we operate and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future.
