The owner of the Peel Zoo, which has recently been put on the market, is hoping a family with children will take the reigns at the local tourism icon.
David Cobbold said he was keen on the idea of a family with “a little Bindi Irwin” buying the business.
“Ideally it would go to a husband and wife who want to live the dream, maybe with young kids, and a little Bindi Irwin on the sidelines,” he said.
Although Mr Cobbold and his partner Narelle MacPherson were passionate about the environment, he said it was not the only skill required to run the zoo successfully.
“It helps to have a love of animals, but neither of us are animal nuts,” he said.
“We come from different backgrounds and we’re very passionate about nature, but we also love the public, we love meeting people and educating children.
“It’s a very privileged lifestyle, we get paid to make other people feel good.”
Also required to successfully run a small zoo was the ability to network and be a “jack of all trades”, according to Mr Cobbold.
“You need to be smart enough to surround yourself with people who know more than you do,” he said.
“We’re not qualified zoologists, but we have them on staff.”
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Mr Cobbold said interest had been strong since news about the business sale broke, with the story going “almost viral”.
Business agent Brad Wallace said no previous experience was required, but it did take a commitment to look after the animals.
“All my colleagues have never touched something like this,” he said.
“It’s definitely a lifestyle opportunity, it’s a lifestyle role, and you need to have a passion for animals and the tourism industry.”
The Peel Zoo is on the market for $699,000.
For more information call Mr Wallace on 0403 435 521 or go to the Link Business website.
Nathan Hondros
Senior Journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, and Fairfax Media.
Senior Journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, and Fairfax Media.
