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The new Lion Pride Lands precinct has been officially opened at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in the NSW city of Dubbo.

Home to eight lions, the $9 million attraction, the largest investment in an animal exhibit in the Zoo’s history, is a joint venture between the NSW Government and the Taronga Conservation Society of Australia.

The 3.8-hectare precinct, the first major change to the Zoo circuit since its opening, gives visitors the opportunity to get close to the big cats behind special safety glass.

Opening the attraction today, NSW Minister for the Environment Gabrielle Upton stated “there are less than 20,000 Lions remaining in the wild, and to have eight here in NSW is truly special.

“The new Lion Pride Lands is the first major change to the Zoo’s exhibits since it opened and is a significant step in helping to protect one of the world’s vulnerable species.”

Taronga Conservation Society Australia Chief Executive and Director Cameron Kerr said the immersive experience meant Zoo guests would leave with a better understanding of these apex predators.

Kerr stated “it is a tragedy to see Lions experience a severe population decline worldwide. Through this precinct guests will be able to understand how Taronga is working with partners all over the world to make a difference for wildlife conservation.”

Kerr also paid tribute to the attraction’s zookeepers, who were “making this wonderful place operate and become a global zoo”.

“And I do genuinely believe Taronga Western Plains Zoo has a big place on the map in America right now and soon that will be around the world.”

“Through the journey of this precinct, guests can see the power of lions as an apex predator and better understand the relationship between humans and lions in the wild.”

Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo is the most visited zoo in regional NSW

Lion Pride Lands will be open every day from Easter onwards.

For more information visit www.taronga.org.au/lionpridelands

Images of the new Lion Pride Lands courtesy of Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

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