Feature
Issue No. 20 - December/January 2005
Zoo makes a splash in the rainforest
Adelaide Zoo is the only major zoo in Australia to be managed by a non-profit zoological society rather than government.
While this makes our zoo uniquely independent, it also creates particular financial challenges, none more so than that facing its very ambitious redevelopment, aimed at keeping our unique institution at the leading edge of its field into the 21st century.
The South East Asian Rainforest exhibit Stage 2 – Immersion aims to both honour the Zoo's 125-year history and dramatically change the way the zoo does its job.
SEAR Stage One opened in 1995. The larger SEAR2 will present animals in open natural habitats that enable unprecedented access for the public.
“It’s the largest project we’ve ever undertaken and it will cost about $4.5 million,” says Zoo director, Mark Craig. “We are going to be designing and implementing a visitor experience that by any standard will be world class.”
SEAR2 will be the focus of conservation and education programs, improve breeding facilities for endangered species and will revolutionise the experience of both animals and people.
“It’s about implementing a new zoo,” Mark says. “We will be demolishing about 10% of the old zoo, some cages that have been up for 80 or 90 years. The public will be immersed in the rainforest; they won’t be looking at it from behind bars.”
Mark says that while total funding hasn’t been confirmed, that won’t stop the development vision going forward and design work by Hassell Architects is underway.
A central hub will bring together all levels of animal activity without providing dramatic views of new exhibits and critically endangered Asian species the zoo helps to protect.
SEAR2 includes tropical trees, climbing vines and water features. Orangutans in the treetops will watch otters splashing in the river as Komodo dragons scour the jungle floor alongside the elusive Sumatran Tiger. <...
