AusLeisure

Perth Zoo is set to build on its reputation as a leading wildlife attraction with the final plan for the Perth Zoo's future Masterplan Project released today.

Announced on Endangered Species Day, the 20-year masterplan reveals developments including a new orangutan enclosure and expanded animal habitats with animal overhead tunnels.

Backed by an investment of $43.5 million from the Western Australian Government, construction on the first stage of the redevelopments - a new café and function centre - will start before the end of 2021.

Focusing on creating new animal habitats and improving the visitor experience, the masterplan includes a new conservation centre and plaza-style zoo entrance, as well as a treehouse and play area.

Announcing the project, Western Australia Premier, Mark McGowan stated “for 123 years, Perth Zoo has provided wonderful memories for so many Western Australians.

“Now the time has come for the zoo to get a new lease on life - and this 20-year master plan will deliver on that.”

In addition, the giraffe and tiger habitats and meerkat exhibit will be extended, while the new orangutan habitat - supporting Perth Zoo’s orangutan program - will feature six large tents and significantly increased space for the animals, with a boardwalk through the tents offering an immersive experience for guests.

The primate habitat will also be expanded to include treetop tunnels. Other projects in the plan include the Lemur Raceway, which will boast overhead raceways for gibbons and lemurs.

Advising that the Improved visitor experience, Western Australian Environment Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson added “the transformation of Perth Zoo will provide opportunities for many more generations to come to connect with wildlife and learn about conservation.

“The master plan will enable the zoo animals to have expanded habitats offering all the creature comforts they require, whilst supporting the breeding and research programs that are aimed at fighting extinction.”

The announcement coincided with news that the Zoo is expecting a couple of new additions to its giraffe herd.

Perth Zoo is part of the Australasian Giraffe Breeding Program to support the vulnerable species. Both resident adult females, Kitoto and Ellie, are pregnant. Since 1995 there have been 10 giraffes born at the zoo.

Extending the African Savannah, home for its giraffes, is another part of the masterplan.

Image credit: Perth Zoo.

Related Articles

17th May 2021 - Changes in Western Australian Government sector sees return of Rebecca Brown as Tourism WA Chief Executive

11th May 2021 - 2021 Federal Budget looks to drive growth

28th December 2020 - Perth Zoo offers summer exhibitions and entertainment

11th November 2020 - Perth Zoo celebrates Noongar seasons with new education program

10th April 2020 - Perth Zoo introduce their latest Tree Kangaroo joey

14th January 2020 - Zoo and Aquarium Association develops plan to help wildlife recover from Australia’s bushfire crisis

31st December 2019 - Perth Zoo welcomes birth of rare Nepalese red panda cubs and bearcat cubs born

18th August 2019 - Perth Zoo announces its largest wild release of Western Swamp Tortoises

8th August 2019 - Zoorassic attraction contributes to Perth Zoo’s highest recorded annual visitation

2nd April 2019 - New attractions needed to continue growth in overseas visitors to Western Australia

20th February 2019 - Perth Zoo’s otter breeding program helps protect species against extinction

13th November 2018 - Perth Zoo officially opens its lion breeding facility

29th October 2018 - 120th birthday sees Perth Zoo celebrate changing conservation role

14th September 2018 - New Executive Director takes the lead at Perth Zoo

5th January 2018 - Australasian Zoo and Aquarium Association follows new direction with 2018 Conference announcement

18th May 2017 - New Western Australian Government abandons plans for open-range zoo

17th January 2017 - Perth Zoo loses breeding recommendations to open range zoos

29th December 2016 - Chittering Valley chosen as location for new open range Perth Zoo

27th July 2015 - Perth Zoo orangutan escape leads to plans for enclosure redesign

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.