Media release

17 September 2008

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 www.wellingtonzoo.com 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.

ENDS

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