Hamilton Zoo open revamp discussion
The Hamilton City Council have reopened discussion around a revamp of the Hamilton Zoo after a two-year hiatus.
A draft plan outlining the proposed developments has been released after the plan was put on hold in 2015 when zookeeper Samantha Kudeweh was killed by a Sumatran tiger.
‘‘The decision to put the planning on hold was out of respect for the family and then actually work through the aftermath of the tragedy and the learnings from that and then bring it back to the council,’’ Lance Vervoort, Hamilton City Council deputy Chief Executive, said.
The Hamilton Zoo has about 130,000 visitors a year and is expected to continue to grow as Hamilton’s population increases.
‘‘We need people to come to the zoo to talk about conservation to provide education programmes and to provide them with a meaningful experience,’’ Zoo director Stephen Standley said.
‘‘Research shows that people like spending family time in parks and zoos and that it tends to bring families together with a shared experience.’’
The process was also hampered by the election of a new council who have to have a look at the plan before it goes out for public consultation. That feedback will be taken on board and it will then go back formally to the council.
The plan suggests creating visitor experiences which would include a Waterhole Camp - which
‘‘Research shows that people like spending family time in zoos.’’
would be an overnight stay facility that would be available for individuals, families or groups. It would include luxury safari-style ensuite tent facilities.
‘‘This would allow us to open up in those out of hours times when we can grow additional revenue, additional experiences without affecting the daytime experience,’’ Standley said.
The plan, which is unique to Hamilton Zoo, was worked on by International zoo consultants.
The cost of the redevelopment had an estimated cost of $16 million two years ago with an increase of construction this figure has not been reassessed.
‘‘If the council considers this favourably then another thing they need to consider is how much ratepayer funding goes into this and what other investment could come from the community.’’
Hamilton Zoo, founded in 1969, is situated in Brymer Rd and covers 25 hectares.