AusLeisure

Auckland Zoo is undergoing a $58 million redevelopment project that will see the creation of a new South East Asia precinct as part of its 10-year Future Zoo development plan.

Funded through Auckland Council’s long-term plan, construction on the two-year project - which will feature four major areas, a siamang and orangutan habitat, tiger and otter habitats, the Indonesian swamp forest, and a new restaurant - is underway.

A transparent, climate-controlled dome, based on an Indonesian swamp forest, will house a new species of crocodiles, as well as reptiles and fish.

Commenting on the expansion, Auckland Zoo Director, Kevin Buley stated "as the forested backdrop and surrounding planting come into view, we’re starting to get a strong sense of the immersive landscape that the South East Asia precinct will become.

“As we continue to grow and evolve before our visitors’ eyes, we actually now have more animals and species for them to visit and learn about – and more are coming.

“We also have a team who are able to wander the zoo with the animals in their care and give visitors more up-close impromptu experiences.

“We take our role as kaitiaki of Auckland’s zoo seriously, and everything we are doing is to continue to make it better for our community - animals, staff and visitors - and our newer developments like our Australia precinct and African Savannah extension demonstrate this.”

As part of the Future Zoo project, Auckland Zoo is also building a new restaurant and function venue overlooking the central lake and new wetlands area.

The elevated dining experience will see orangutans and gibbons looking on from above via a network of climbing structures.

South East Asia at Auckland Zoo is scheduled for completion in the first half of 2020.

Image of the South East Asia concept courtesy of Auckland Zoo.

Related Articles

14th June 2019 - Auckland Zoo launches scheme to eliminate single-use coffee cups

18th January 2019 - Auckland Zoo welcomes zebra foal

20th June 2018 - World’s oldest Sumatran orangutan dies at Perth Zoo

29th July 2016 - Melbourne Zoo highlights plight of orangutans with call for palm oil labelling

15th October 2015 - Mixed reaction to plans to bring Giant Pandas to Wellington Zoo

19th June 2015 - Taronga Zoo reveals plans for $16 million Sumatran Tiger exhibit

12th September 2014 - Auckland Zoo awarded Qualmark certification as an Endorsed Visitor Activity

13th July 2014 - Auckland Zoo achieves record visitation for third year

4th July 2014 - Female Sumatran Tiger arrives at Wellington Zoo

29th May 2011 - New elephants for Auckland zoo

26th October 2010 - Auckland Zoo’s young Sumatran tigers cross the Tasman

11th June 2010 - Auckland Zoo opens The Tropics for new alligators

10th May 2010 - Funding secured for Auckland Zoo Development

---

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.