Founded in 1962, Wildlife Queensland works with community groups, schools, government, private landholders and businesses to achieve conservation goals.

The society was created as a community-based, non-profit organisation, founded in 1962 by Judith Wright, Brian Clouston, David Fleay and Kathleen MacArthur.

Current patron, Margaret Thorsborne, is an eminent veteran conservationist who worked alongside Judith Wright in the original campaign to protect the Great Barrier Reef in 1967.

Eligible research projects are those which investigate methods of addressing or reversing the decline in threatened native plant and animal species or their habitat, or other applied conservation outcomes in Queensland.

Every year Wildlife Queensland recognises the achievements and efforts of members through a special award ceremony held at an annual dinner in September.