Bullen's Lion Park

Statement of Significance

The site of the former Bullen’s Lion Park is of historical significance as it represents a significant tourist attraction during the 1970s and 1980s in Wanneroo.

Physical Description

An expansive site bounded by a chainlink fence. The site is mostly bush with remnants of the various functions over time, including an aircraft, train tracks and buildings.

History

Bullen’s Lion Park was established by John Gilbertson, after the Bullen’s circus ceased operating in 1969. Opening day was 21st August 1971. The park opened with two lion compounds consisting of 32 lions and four cubs who separated into two prides. A mixed animal compound that included donkeys, camels, ostriches and a mini zoo with monkeys, kangaroos, emus, camels, dingoes, guinea pigs, a snake pit and a variety of birds was also located in the park. Visitors would drive through the park in their cars, allowing them to view the animals up close. It was the only open range zoo in the state. The king lion was a “mostly tame” male named Ferocious or Fro. Lions climbed on the top of cars as visitors drove through the range. The park fundraised for the Lions Club and regularly appeared in Channel 7’s Telethon. Two tourists were killed in separate lion attacks at the park. In 1962, a man rolled down his window and was mauled on the arm. In 1981, another man exited his car holding a cross and walked into a pride of lions.
Operational costs were attributed to its demise, likely associated with Public Liability Insurance, and the lions were auctioned off before the park closed in 1988. However, Hollywood star Tippi Hedron had visited in 1980 and expressed her concerns over the condition of the park that triggered a negative public perception.
It was also referred to as Wanneroo Lions Park, and Butler’s African Lion Park Safari.
The site was later an adventure playground attraction known as Dizzy Lamb Park that also proved popular for a period of time before it closed, and the site remained empty for a number of years before reinventing into a paintball attraction.

Integrity/Authenticity

Nil

Condition

poor- some remiaing ruinous elements

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.