Trust Chair reportGrowing the Zoo
Wellington Zoo is constantly evolving, and with the ten year Zoo Capital Programme (ZCP) redevelopment plan underway, the Zoo continues to grow and evolve at a rapid rate.
Wild Theatre
The new heart of Wellington Zoo and the first project of the ZCP, the Wild Theatre was opened in September 2007 by Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast, and Pub Charity Chairman Maurice Hayes. The Wild Theatre won a New Zealand award in the Community and Cultural category of the New Zealand Institute of Architects Resene Architecture Awards 2008.
The Wild Theatre has proven a valuable addition to the Zoo, providing indoor shelter for our visitors as well as a versatile space for functions, parties and our daily Tahi the kiwi talk.
The Nest, Wellington Zoo’s Animal Hospital
The next major project of the ZCP is The Nest, Wellington Zoo’s new animal hospital. In order to start construction on The Nest, we needed to first ensure we had enough power to run a new building and other new exhibits. The power project is currently underway to install a new 11,000 volt electricity supply into the Zoo. As part of the power project we had to move two large, well established trees from the site – a puriri tree (a favourite of wild tui) was moved a short distance, while a large ficus was loaded onto the back of a truck and moved up to the new giraffe house, both seem to have adapted well to their new homes. These trees were fertilised with compost from the Zoo’s in house composter.
Construction on The Nest itself is due to start in August. To accommodate our veterinarian resident students from Massey University, and Zoo staff looking after a night time sleepover, we have constructed a two bedroom timber cabin next to the Zoo’s Archibald Centre.
Meet the Locals
The next major project of the ZCP after The Nest, will be Meet the Locals (our New Zealand precinct). A concept for this large area of the Zoo has been created by Studio Hanson Roberts, internationally renowned Zoo exhibit designers. As this project covers such a large part of the Zoo, construction will be phased and the first phrase will be to relocate most of our bird species to ‘Conservation Corner’ – the area previously occupied by our giraffes. As a precursor to this project and to benefit future planning, a review of the vegetation and access routes throughout the Zoo has been undertaken. This has resulted in the production of a Global Landscaping Strategy which will inform all future projects.
African Savannah
The African Savannah mixed species experience was opened this year by Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast. The new giraffe house, the cornerstone of this exhibit, allows visitors access inside the stable building and contains a unique ‘giraffe crush’ designed by the Zoo which incorporates the ability to weigh the animals as well as perform any necessary veterinary procedures.
This building also allowed us to add much needed additional toilet facilities to this part of the Zoo. The exhibit was built with materials from sustainable sources where possible. FSC certified timber was used and cladding materials were chosen to allow maximum light through and to retain heat through efficient insulation. A rainwater recovery system was installed to use for cleaning.
Chimp House and park
The old chimpanzee indoor house was renovated and repainted with an Australian theme to house the Zoo’s cockatoos this year. Out in the chimp park, all of the existing trees and ropes that the chimps climb over were replaced with telephone poles and lots of new climbing frames for them to enjoy. Both of these projects were done in house by the Zoo’s property team.