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Celebrating the next
10 years at Auckland Zoo
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Auckland Zoo, just a few years away from celebrating its 100th anniversary
(in 2022), is now embarking on the biggest redevelopment programme in the
Zoo’s history, and we’ve called it Nearer to Nature.
Regional Facilities Auckland (RFA) is delighted to announce Auckland
Zoo’s 10-year programme of capital development.
For the past 93 years, the Zoo has been an integral part of Auckland, and today
attracts more than 700,000 visits annually. It is regarded internationally as one
of the world’s most progressive zoos – a winner of national and international
awards, and at the leading-edge of research, training and conservation work.
Today, Auckland Zoo is part of a global network of zoos focused on conserving the world’s
disappearing wildlife. Key amongst our work is our ability to care for wildlife and to engage
our community with the wonder of the natural world.
We would like to thank Auckland Council in recognising the value of Auckland
Zoo to the community and to wildlife conservation. Council’s long-term $120m
investment will ensure that key upgrades are funded, and that the Zoo is able
to keep pace with change and grow. With the success of projects like the $16m
New Zealand precinct, Te Wao Nui, in showcasing the extraordinary work of the
Zoo team with native species, the RFA board has every confidence that the latest
Pridelands redevelopment and any future major projects rest in capable hands.
We believe, through greater understanding and a deep sense of connection, that people
will value the world’s wildlife and commit to ensuring its future.
Our $120 million, ten year development plan will serve to further transform us into a 21st
century zoo specifically designed for this purpose. We will be building exceptional habitats
for all our animals, creating extraordinary experiences for our visitors and ensuring we have
the facilities we need to provide for our staff and to train the conservationists of the future.
Through this development programme, Auckland Zoo will exemplify care for wildlife and
encourage the passion and skills needed to conserve wildlife everywhere.
Having completed Te Wao Nui in 2011, a precinct focused exclusively on New Zealand,
our future developments will move on to the astonishing species and habitats of Africa,
Australia, South East Asia and Sri Lanka (elephants), as well as providing fantastic new
places for our visitors and staff alike.
Jonathan Wilcken
Director
Auckland Zoo
Sir Don McKinnon
Rt Hon Sir Donald C McKinnon ONZ GCVO
Chairman
Regional Facilities Auckland
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Project timeline 2016-2026
2016
Phase 1: Masterplan enabling works
African Savannah development
Australia 2
Jamuna plaza development
Administration building renovations
Phase 2: Central zoo rebuild
Wild Asia
Kidzone and Heart of the Zoo
Central service area
The Coast - life support systems
Phase 3: New entry precinct and visitor amenities
Entrance exhibit
Forest night camp
Entry precinct and Discovery & Learning facilities
Phase 4: Re-model and expand signature precincts
Elephant facilities
Africa 2
2017
2018
2019
2020 2021
2022
2023
2024 2025
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2016 – 2017
Phase 1
Auckland Zoo’s 10 year plan will see the creation of distinct geographic
zones that showcase the stunning biodiversity of species we advocate
for and work to help protect in the wild.
We begin with our African savannah development at the south end of our
Africa precinct.
For the first time, our meerkat mob, African lovebirds and leopard tortoises have
homes within one expansive walkthrough aviary. We will also be creating unique
waterhole views across to some of the majestic animals of the African savannah:
giraffe, zebra and ostrich.
Later in 2016, we will be adding a forest and freshwater exhibit to our Aussie
Walkabout precinct. It will house giant lizards, brash and colourful birds
of Australia, and freshwater turtles seen underwater.
In 2017, we turn our attention to staff welfare and will be future-proofing
our administrative buildings so they are fit for purpose for a modern zoo.
In late 2017, groundworks will begin for the largest single development
in Auckland Zoo’s history, Wild Asia.
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2018 – 2020
Phase 2
Phase 2 of the 10 year plan focuses on the Heart of the Zoo, where we will be creating Wild Asia, to celebrate
the extraordinary species of the south-east Asian rainforests: otters, siamangs, tigers and orangutans.
Auckland Zoo has long been active in helping conserve orangutans and tigers in the wild, along with the other south-east Asian
rainforest species they share their home with. Wild Asia will provide our visitors an amazing, and deeply immersive wildlife experience.
It will also serve as a reminder of why it’s essential we all help protect these magnificent animals in their rainforest homes.
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2021 – 2022
Phase 3
Phase 3 sees us remodelling the zoo’s entry precinct to better manage the
high volume of visitors we attract and better meet their needs when they arrive.
As part of the new entry experience, visitors will have the opportunity to
walk through a slice of Madagascar, meeting our playful lemurs close up.
Other new visitor facilities will include a purpose-built function centre that
will provide a unique dining venue with views across the African savannah,
and a forest night camp for visitors of all ages to experience the sights and
sounds of the wildlife during overnight stays.
A series of new purpose-built Discovery and Learning facilities will be
completed before the end of 2022. These will enable us to further expand our
commitments to education and conservation learning from early childhood
through to tertiary.
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2023 – 2025
Phase 4
The final phase sees the 10 year plan come
full circle with the second development
of our African wildlife habitats. At the
northern end of the precinct, our flamingos
will be re-homed in an expansive free-flight
aviary, and the graceful underwater life of
our hippos will be able to be seen for the
first time.
We complete the 10 year programme
by developing new facilities that will
offer an even better environment for
our much-loved, and growing family
of Asian elephants.
Auckland Zoo, Motions Road, Western Springs, Auckland 1022
09-360 3805 | aucklandzoo.co.nz​