Orana to re-open tomorrow after 10 day closure

Orana Wildlife Park MEDIA RELEASE – For Immediate Release

Orana to re-open tomorrow after 10 day closure

Orana Wildlife Park staff are delighted to confirm that the Park will officially re-open tomorrow. The Park has been closed for ten days as a result of the gale force wind storm last Tuesday.

Chief Executive, Lynn Anderson, says: “The storm has been the most damaging in the Park’s history causing more damage than the earthquakes or large snow events of recent times! Many large trees came down causing damage to most fences. Luckily no animal houses or key buildings were severely damaged. However a large gum tree took out a section of the lion reserve fence but the cats were safely tucked up in their secure night house. Contractors and Park staff have worked tirelessly since Wednesday morning to clear trees from fences, remove dangerous trees and tidy the debris.

The Park was without mains power for seven full days, relying primarily on loaned generators which provided basic emergency infrastructure to enable us to care for the animals. Thankfully, only a few animals developed “cabin fever” as back-up generators could only provide enough electricity for the basics, like minimal water supply, food storage and electric fencing systems. We directed our total limited generation capacity towards ensuring animal welfare needs were met to the best of our ability.

We would like to express our sincere thanks to the following for their support:

• Gardiner Excavating and Protranz - extensive tree removal.

• Noel Preen Contracting - speedy repairs to damaged fences.

• Smith’s Cranes, Total Power Solutions, GT Construction and Protranz – loan of generators.

• Melray Electrical –helping source generators and hooking them up.

Sadly, during the closure, three elderly animals passed away. The entire team was devastated by the loss of our special giraffe, Nathalie (25), who died on Tuesday night. She certainly was a very special grand old lady and we will miss her dearly. Unfortunately, Felicity (12) the kangaroo and Mavara (23) the zebra were euthanased owing to poor health.

I am incredibly proud of our amazing team who have worked extremely hard in very trying conditions; an amazing amount has been achieved. All animals remain well and cared for and that is our most important duty. We thank the public for their support and look forward to welcoming visitors back to our special Park again tomorrow” concludes Lynn.

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