Auckland Zoo is one of New Zealand's and the Auckland region's premier attractions and a leading centre for wildlife conservation. Opened in 1922, it is an intrinsic part of the city, making Auckland a vibrant and exciting place to live and visit, and engaging Aucklanders in the protection and care of wildlife.
Auckland Zoo is owned by Auckland City Council and is administered by a council-appointed Zoo Board. The council makes a financial contribution towards the zoo's costs each year to ensure that the zoo continues to develop to the highest standards and remains affordable and accessible to Aucklanders.
Visitor numbers to the zoo continue to grow steadily, with more than 600,000 people visiting in 2007/2008. The zoo provides diverse experiences of animals and their habitats, in a safe park-like environment.
Auckland Zoo also has an important environmental and conservation role. It takes part in international wildlife breeding and conservation programmes, provides a resource for scientific research, and education and experiences that raise people's awareness and respect for the environment.
The zoo is a member of the Australasian Regional Association of Zoological Parks and Aquaria, which requires it to maintain world-class standards in its exhibits, animal care and management, research, conservation, education and organisational matters. It is committed to modelling sustainable practices, and reducing its environmental footprint, and has received numerous awards and national recognition for its efforts.
People can become more involved in the day-to-day life of the zoo and enjoy membership benefits, through the Friends of the Zoo programme and feel they have contributed to the work of the zoo.
To ensure that people continue to enjoy and visit the zoo, new exhibits are developed regularly. The zoo's next major project, is Te Wao Nui (the living realm) a $15.3 million precinct, which will provide visitors with a unique experience of New Zealand's animals, plants and culture. Construction is due to start in 2009.
The council also wishes to maintain a herd of elephants at Auckland Zoo in the future and provision has been made next year to work on the best way to attract the required external funding from public and private sources.
Key initiatives
Te Wao Nui
Description: A major new exhibit that will enable visitors to experience New Zealand's animals, landscapes and taonga in a unique way. Te Wao Nui will also have an ecological protection and conservation focus.
Benefits: The zoo will continue to offer an interesting and varied experience for patrons, attracting more local and international visitors.
Visitors will have the opportunity to experience New Zealand animals, landscapes and taonga in a unique way.
Te Wao Nui will be a landmark feature for the zoo, increasing its reputation and status. Native animal and plant species will be preserved.
Cost: $15.3 million
Timing: 2009-2012
Regular renewals
Description: There will be ongoing renewals of the zoo's buildings, exhibits, enclosures, features and services. Major renewals planned during the next few years include visitor precinct upgrades, primate enclosures and breeding facilities for a range of species.
Benefits: The zoo will be maintained to a world-class standard, ensuring that visitors have a quality zoo experience.
The zoo's value is preserved and visitor numbers are maintained.
Cost: $21.9 million
Timing: 2009-2019
