This 95 year old big cat pit was one of Auckland Zoo’s original exhibits (constructed in 1922) and for over 75 years, was home to African lions. In March 1998, the last of their pride was sent to Wellington Zoo; and after renovations, two Sumatran tigers (siblings, Nisha and Malu) arrived. It would then hold Sumatran tigers for a further two decades. This photo was taken shortly before it’s demolition, ahead of the construction of the South East Asia precinct.
I thought the zoo did an exceptional job of softening the once stark, concrete terrain with vegetation. The many entrances to the dens (behind the concrete facade) are barely visible behind a wall of Ivy. These dens were visible to the public (from the rear) for many decades until the 1990’s.
