23 July 2012
Auckland Zoo has enjoyed its busiest ever year, drawing over 710,000 visitors in the 12 months ended 30 June.
Auckland Zoo director Jonathan Wilcken says the opening of the Zoo's award-winning New Zealand precinct, Te Wao Nui, in September last year was a major catalyst for the record visitation.
"Aucklanders, as well as domestic and international visitors to the city, have streamed through the gates, eager to experience the Zoo's biggest development in our nearly 90-year history," says Mr Wilcken.
"The feedback we've received is that the immersive and natural environments in Te Wao Nui's six New Zealand habitats are world-class, and create a fantastic showcase for New Zealand wildlife - an outstanding result for everyone involved."
Te Wao Nui's impact on the Zoo's international visitation, in particular, has been remarkable with a two-thirds increase in the first six months following the precinct's opening, compared to the same period the previous year.
Robert Domm, Chief Executive Officer for Regional Facilities Auckland - the Auckland Council controlled organisation that manages Auckland Zoo, says the record year indicates the success of the Zoo in delivering a contemporary and uniquely New Zealand zoo experience.
"The highly anticipated addition of Te Wao Nui has cemented Auckland Zoo's reputation as a 'must-do' for Aucklanders and visitors alike, while also enhancing its contribution to the conservation of many endangered New Zealand species," says Mr Domm.
As well as experiencing Te Wao Nui, visitors to Auckland Zoo can currently take part in 10 Zoolympic challenges where visitors can see how their athletic abilities stack up against the animals; or see its newest group of animals - the squirrel monkeys in The Rainforest.
