Our story
Meet Stuart Webster – The Vision Behind Hobart Zoo & Aquarium
Ever since I was eight years old, I’ve had one dream—to own my own zoo. Now, at 59, that childhood dream has become my life’s work. I’ve had every pet imaginable, from the ordinary to the exotic, and I’ve spent decades imagining and designing the ideal zoo—one where every animal lives in an extraordinary space that respects their needs and natural behaviours.
My passion for zoos began early, but it truly ignited at 18 when I travelled overseas to visit two of my idols: Chester Zooand Twycross Zoo.
Chester Zoo, renowned for its innovative, immersive enclosures and dedication to conservation, showed me that zoos could be world leaders in animal welfare and education.
Twycross Zoo, with its extraordinary primate collection and tireless commitment to animal care, deeply influenced my values and approach to zookeeping.
Since that first overseas trip, I’ve visited over 500 zoos across the globe in the past 40 years. Each one taught me something new—what to do, and what to do better. It shaped my unwavering vision: to build a zoo that sets the benchmark for enclosure design and animal wellbeing.
In August 2024, I purchased Zoodoo Zoo—now rebranded as Hobart Zoo & Aquarium. My goal was ambitious: build five new enclosures in six months. Frustratingly, I’ve only completed one—but it’s a world-class Cotton-top Tamarin exhibit that has exceeded even my highest hopes. It really is world standard and something my team and myself are incredibly proud of.
My real passion lies not just in animals, but in creating environments that inspire, educate, and elevate the standards of animal care. Since taking over, we have planted 500 trees, constructed a 3-million-litre dam, and begun transforming the landscape into a stunning wetland precinct to support and welcome back native bird species.
This zoo is more than a business. It’s my life’s purpose. Every path, every plant, every enclosure is designed to honour the animals, engage our guests, and build a legacy for future generations.
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