“HARRY POTTER: A FORBIDDEN FOREST EXPERIENCE” REMOVED FROM BRIAR’S WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

“Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience” is a traveling, immersive walkthrough experience that takes place in parks and forested areas around the world. To date, the experience has been located in multiple cities across four continents.

​New locations are announced annually, with the experience typically staying in each location for three to four months. Intricate lighting, effects, animated figures, and other show elements are set up for the walkthrough, with a temporary “village” set up at the end of the path. On average, guests spend sixty to ninety minutes exploring the area.
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In 2024, it was announced that the experience would be coming to the Mornington Peninsula in Australia. However, the choice of exact location, Briars Sanctuary, sparked worldwide controversy.

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Briars Sanctuary

Briars Sanctuary is a wildlife refuge that is part of a 230-hectare property on the Mornington Peninsula. The area is described as a sensitive natural environment that has been a safe haven for thousands of animals for dozens of years. It is home to over 400 species of native animals, including kangaroos, koalas, owls, bats, and frogs. In addition, close to 700 species of indigenous plants can be found on the peninsula. The Mornington Peninsula Shire’s website contains extensive information about environmental protection, including their Biodiversity Conservation plan.
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Locals claimed that protected and threatened species were put at risk by the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council’s decision to partner with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment, Fever and IMG for “Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience.”

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Animal Advocates Speak Out

A campaign and petition to “Save Briars Sanctuary” was swiftly created by a group of concerned citizens, and it quickly garnered international attention. The group cited inappropriate circumstances for such a sacred venue, noting that the 3,000 expected guests per night would threaten the welfare and protection of hundreds of animals.
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The Mornington Peninsula Koala Conservation Group stated that “the proposed nightly exposure to artificial lighting, noise, and high increased foot traffic will undoubtedly cause them unnecessary stress and fear.” What’s more, as claimed by local “Save Kangaroos” conservationists, the decision was made in private by the Council, demonstrating “the deceit and disrespect they hold for our communities and the residents of the Mornington Peninsula who hold the environment and wildlife dear to their hearts.”

“The Sanctuary is critical habitat for a wide range of wildlife including wildlife threatened with extinction like Powerful Owls (Australia’s largest owl species), Swift Parrots and Growling Grass Frogs, to name just a few.”

• Victorian National Parks Association

"As a Harry Potter fan, which teaches us to love and care for our animals, it seems nonsensical to put a Harry Potter event in a wildlife sanctuary…We need to unite together as Harry Potter fans to ensure that our animals are protected which is exactly what Hagrid would want us to do!"

• Shannon Meilak, “Save Briars Sanctuary” Campaign Creator

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Campaign Success for the ANimals

After collecting over 23,000 signatures, holding multiple meetings, and writing to Warner Bros., it was announced that “Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest” experience would relocate from Briars Sanctuary to the Community Forest at The Briars. The new location has been primarily used as a dog walking park, with established paths and more regular foot traffic. 

The petition received signatures of support from visitors, local conservation groups, and animal advocacy nonprofits (including The Protego Foundation) from around the world, showcasing how a focused group of organizers can truly make a big difference. The Mornington Peninsula Shire Council voted unanimously on the relocation, which demonstrates the power of community voices.
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The Protego Foundation is incredibly grateful to the Mornington Peninsula Shire and Warner Bros. for their dedication to protecting wildlife and the land!

Head to our Owl Resource Page to learn more about the history of owl use in the non-magical world and visit the How To Help Animals section to find other ways to make an impact.





Written by Alison Embry and Valerie Short

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