Healesville Sanctuary was founded by Dr Colin MacKenzie, who in 1921 was granted 70 acres of land at a lease of one shilling per year, to establish the Australian Institute of Anatomy. The institute aimed to study native fauna for the purpose of medical research.

Dr MacKenzie’s work drew scientists from all over the world. When he moved to Canberra in 1927 to head a new anatomy institute, the land was handed over to the Healesville Council.

After much work from the local community and the Sanctuary’s new curator, Robert Eadie, the Sir Colin MacKenzie Sanctuary for Australian Flora and Fauna was officially opened to the public on 30 May 1934. During this time, Healesville became internationally renowned for its role in platypus care and research. It was the first organisation to successfully breed platypus in captivity. The 1940s saw the first hatched platypus ever bred in captivity (Corrie), an event that made the front page news in London and New York. (It took 55 years to repeat that success with the birth of twin platypus Barak and Yarra Yarra in 1998, and again in 2000, with MacKenzie.) 

By 1947 the Sanctuary had developed into a popular tourist destination renowned for its fauna. It was considered an important asset to the state, and the Victorian State Government took over managerial responsibility.

Since 1978, Healesville Sanctuary has been managed by the Zoological Parks and Gardens Board of Victoria and has developed into Australia’s premier wildlife Sanctuary. This is highlighted by the openings of the Sidney Myer World of the Platypus in 1994 and the $6 million Australian Wildlife Health Centre in 2005. 

Healesville Sanctuary continues to grow with the recent addition of Tasmanian Devils to its animal collection. Captivating presentations and tours such as Birds of Prey, Parrots in Flight and the Burra Burra Yan ensure visitors connect in meaningful ways with wildlife in its natural habitat.