To thank those who have supported the park over the decades there will be giveaways, pony rides, live music, entertainers and cake galore during a two-day party from Saturday 2 November to Sunday 3 November.

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It will celebrate the diverse emotional connections made at Oakvale, and the memories created of the human and animal kind.

The park was established by Jeff and Elaine Sansom in 1979 to satisfy a perceived need for the education of the next generation in the basics of farming.

Since then, the iconic Port Stephens landmark has adapted, diversified and transformed from a functional, working dairy farm at the bordering stone house, into a ten hectare sprawling expanse of enclosures, animals and attractions designed for free-range interactive education and conservation.

Oakvale continues to offer what it originally intended, which is to provide a cooperative opportunity to interact in nature through feeding, learning and caring for the housed domestic and native animals.

Kent Sansom took over day-to-day operations at Oakvale as a determined twenty-year-old.

He told News Of The Area that “taking over the park felt natural to me, having grown-up in an ambitious and progressive family deeply involved in the tourism industry.”

Jeff still does the morning walk with coffee in hand from his house to his favourite chair looking over Lemur Island, to survey how the park is progressing.

The passion for wildlife embedded in Kent’s bloodline drives the park’s initiatives including the “Save Our Wildlife” program, which reflects the commitment to conservation.

Honouring founders, Jeff and Elaine, and the legacy they established, is an integral part of the upcoming celebrations.

“My mother and father have taught me many valuable lessons, but the most important are patience, resilience, and adaptability,” Kent said.

“Businesses come and go but being resilient and resourceful through change is key.

“Mum and Dad have always emphasised the importance of staying family-focused, delivering a high-quality product that offers value for money, and always prioritising our visitors.

“They also reminded me never to forget where we started and to give back to the community and our customers, which aligns with our volunteer program that engages the community in our conservation efforts.

“It’s a solid recipe for success.

“To celebrate our incredible 45th-anniversary milestone, we are offering a special promotion for the weekend.

“There will be half-price admission for kids and a range of exciting activities.

“It’s the perfect time for families to join us in marking this special occasion and experience the wonder of Oakvale while celebrating our commitment to conservation and community.”

The generational return of families is what Kent’s wife Leanne is most looking forward to, having raised four children who have lived the Oakvale dream of repopulating endangered species such as the Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo and our renowned koala population.

Kent hinted that there are some “fantastic animal additions in the pipeline, who will enhance visitor experiences and provide valuable educational opportunities with particular regard to the collaboration Oakvale has with TAFE.

Studying students are afforded their training and experience in wildlife management and conservation at Oakvale in a fun, hands-on approach through alignment with their see, touch, feel approach.

Kent and the team at Oakvale are aspiring to promote conservation and sustainability in ways that enrich animal and guest experiences over the next 45 years.

“As an accredited member of Eco Tourism Australia and Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA), we are actively engaged in breeding and conserving threatened species, with a focus on education and preserving endangered wildlife.

“Our 20-year master plan includes exciting projects that will not only support wildlife but will also provide a fantastic day out [while] ensuring we stay true to our roots; offering intimate, hands-on experiences while maintaining a personal touch.”

Tickets for the park’s birthday celebrations can be purchased via www.oakvalewildlife.com.au.

By Jacie WHITFIELD