Wellington Zoo construction begins on new zoo hospital

[Chlidonias]

Scoop: Wellington Zoo feathers The Nest

Construction has begun on The Nest, Wellington Zoo's animal hospital, the largest project in Zoo's ten year development plan, Wellington Zoo Trust Chief Executive Karen Fifield announced today.

'We've got the diggers in, and we are very excited that after years of planning we are starting to build our animal hospital, The Nest,' said Karen

'In The Nest, we'll be able to look after not only our Zoo animals, but also injured native wildlife from around the Wellington region. It will be a hub of care, recovery and rehabilitation for the wild animals of Wellington.'

'The Nest will be a major step up from our current hospital, a cramped 1930s bungalow, and once it is complete Zoo visitors will be able to see what goes on behind the scenes in a busy animal hospital.'

'Designed by Warren and Mahoney and being built by Naylor Love, the hospital is expected to cost approximately $6 million, which represents a quarter of our budgeted capital programme works.'

'Wellington City Council is the principal funder of this project, as part of their support of our Zoo Capital Programme but we are also relying on our community and other supporters to help us build The Nest.

'Less than 25% of Wellingtonians are aware that the Zoo is run by a charitable trust, and this is the first time as a trust that we are asking our community for their support. If anyone wants to donate to The Nest they can donate online at Wellington Zoo - Welcome or collect an appeal envelope next time they're at the Zoo.'

Other donors to The Nest include: Alfred Colcutt Bequest, Brian Whiteacre Trust, The Community Trust of Wellington, Koala Trust, New Zealand Lottery Grants Board, Pub Charity, Rotary Club of Wellington, New Zealand Community Trust, Pelorus Trust, Southern Trust, Endeavour Community Trust and Southern Cross Hospitals.

 

[dragon(ele)nerd]

wow, I've never seen something like this before this is a great cause, and I look forward to see the finished product of the nest

 

[Coquinguy]

good luck to wellington zoo. i hope this zoo realises its full potential in the next few years, much as adelaide zoo is finally doing. new developments like this will help this zoo increase its involvement with recovery programs for native species, some of which bypassed wellington because it previously lacked facilities.
check out their new website too. the interactive map is gr8

 

[Chlidonias]

Scoop: Zoo hospital construction begins

Zoo hospital construction begins
Thursday, 25 September 2008, 12:20 pm
Press Release: New Zealand Government

Hon Steve Chadwick
Minister of Conservation

25 September 2008 Media Statement
Zoo hospital construction begins

Conservation Minister Steve Chadwick today celebrated the start of the construction of Wellington Zoo’s new animal hospital 'Nest'.

“The Nest will be a state-of-the-art animal hospital providing benefits for wildlife including taking care of the animals living at the Zoo, and caring for sick and injured native wildlife from the community," Steve Chadwick said.

“It will also be a research and teaching facility for vets, vet nurses and biologists, and be open for visitors, who will be able to view the fascinating work of the Nest staff as they care for native and Zoo collection animals. This will present another fantastic opportunity for New Zealanders to further understand our intriguing native species."

The celebration included sealing a time capsule that contains artefacts from the Zoo’s current hospital and small contributions from the project donors.

The Minister used the opportunity to thank those people involved in developing the project, from a series of ideas and thoughts on paper to a project that would work on the ground. She acknowledged financial contributions from the Wellington City Council, New Zealand Lottery Grants Board and many others who have helped fund the $6 million project.

"The new hospital will also bring specific benefits to the Department of Conservation by providing triage and rehabilitation of injured wildlife, advocacy and education opportunities and a higher profile for the rescue of native animals."

The Nest is expected to be completed by early 2010.

 

[NZ Jeremy]

Great stuff, I hope the zoo turns out half as good as its masterplan...

For those confused that the article says "She acknowledged" when taking about the minister Steve Chadwick, that is not a typo her real name is Stephanie (I think) but she chooses to be called Steve...