Out with the old and in with the zoo
LIONS are roaring and birds are chirping over the exclusive wildlife hospital facility that will be opening mid-year at Taronga Western Plains Zoo.
The world-leading wildlife hospital will be a new home for wildlife treatment in regional NSW with Taronga already receiving 700 external cases annually.
Zoo director Steve Hinks says the new facility will enable visitors to see treatment and equipment services while educating them regarding conservation procedures.
“A lot of issues that our wildlife face are in the natural world, this facility provides us with the opportunity to help defenceless species in many ways,” Steve says, adding that the facility does not only help the zoo, but the region as it provides services for external animals by partnering with various organisations.
“Bringing the work of vets and conservation scientists front of house gives our visitors an opportunity to understand and experience the fantastic work that goes on at the zoo,” Steve says.
The advanced hospital will replace the ageing infrastructure built in 1997, and he says “vets have been crying out for new facilities for some time, so we are looking forward to this”.
The $14m project is funded by the state government to provide a world class facility, with the zoo’s director describing the vet team as “second to none” saying they are excited to commence work in the new space.
“We’re extremely fortunate to have what many people would consider a world leading vet team. Dr Benn Bryant is one of the global leaders in rhinoceros science. The vet team really punches above its weight, like many people here in regional NSW.
“We encourage people to come out and have an immersive experience within the new facility,” Steve says, adding that the hospital is set to be a legacy for years to come.
Once opened, the wildlife hospital will provide educational programs for schools to teach children the importance of wildlife conservation.
“What we’re trying to construct is something that is a versatile and multipurpose facility,” he says.
The facility includes surgery and treatment spaces and will include a 25m flight aviary to assist birds before they are equipped to return to the wild.
Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW and Member for Dubbo, Dugald Saunders, says by the time the project is complete there will be nothing like this at other zoos around the world.
“People are given the opportunity to see practises in front of their eyes which are usually done behind the scenes says. This is representing a step forward for the zoo in its conservation efforts by opening up some of those things that are not usually seen by the public.”