More development at the Zoo!
How much more can the site hold?
There has been a huge amount of development at the zoo in recent years - an eco-resort, an education centre, a Tiger Trek and an African Savannah. An Upper Australia Precinct has also been approved.
The latest proposal is for a brand new Reptile and Amphibian Conservation Centre to replace the old Reptile World, the Serpentaria. That spot is needed for another development, a new Wildlife Hospital and Nutrition Centre, which will go on exhibition soon. We can't comment with authority on the need for a hospital, but it seems very likely given our environmental predicament!
Read the Sydney Morning Herald story here >
We can't comment either on the adequacy of the current reptile accommodation or the need for an upgrade, but the zoo’s conservation of reptiles and amphibians has been a primary and successful focus.
You can see the plans for the new Reptile Centre here >
The two developments, the hospital and reptile centre, will cost $62 million, of which the new reptile centre will cost $13.3 million. The state government is contributing $40 to the cost in an effort to boost the economy after Covid.
Mosman Parks & Bushland admires the conservation work of the zoo. Conservation, education, and research are vitally important in this age of climate change and loss of habitat. Saving the Bellingen turtles and the attempt to teach the male Regent honeyeater its song have been particularly poignant recent tales from the wild.
The Zoo takes its education mission very seriously with all ages and stages catered for. Demonstrations and talks are excellent, and wonderful on-line work has been done for children during Covid.
The zoo's expenses must be huge - animal care, research, education and upgrades all have to be paid for, but are light displays, concerts and parties what animals need?
