- More than $40 million committed in funding
- Some works to begin before end of this year
- Plan includes public viewing area for veterinary hospital
The Premier of Western Australia, Mark McGowan, today announced a 20-year masterplan for Perth Zoo.
The $43.5 million investment from the State Government includes a $30 million election commitment, the project aims to make a number of improvements to the zoo including a new conservation centre.
“The first two developments, a new café and new function facilities, will break ground later this year.”
Mark McGowan, Premier, WA
Coincidentally, Mr McGowan’s announcement comes a day after his predecessor, Colin Barnett, went to the press to again to tout his idea of an open range zoo in the Avon Valley.
Mr Barnett, then Premier, announced the idea of an open range zoo back in 2016.
An area near Lower Chittering on the Avon River was chosen, the project was expected to cost between $50 million to $100 million and take 10 years to build.
The project was later scrapped following the Barnett government’s election loss.
Features
In the 20-year masterplan for Perth Zoo, the State Government said a “new orangutan jungle will be built to support the zoo’s world-leading orangutan program and enable the public to learn more about these great apes.”
A new conservation centre will also be built, “which will allow the public to see procedures underway in the veterinary hospital and provide opportunities for the community to learn more about animal breeding areas where Perth Zoo is helping fight species extinction.”
The upgrades will also “give the animals more room to roam,” and provide visitors a new experience right from the start: “There will also be a new plaza style zoo entry, as well as a treehouse and nature play area.”
