25 September 2008
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.
ENDS