Infrastructure renewals, enhancing the purifying function of the Zoo’s lake and a stunning new 1000 m2 wharekai and function venue, Te Puna (‘the spring’) overlooking the lake have also been part of phase one. Visitors enjoying coffee or lunch here will discover an impressive network of 25m high aerial pathways linking from the primate habitat out over the lake. Now almost complete, these climbing pathways are among features that enable the effortlessly agile orangutans and siamangs to behave and move as they do in the wild – ranging up and across the rainforest’s high canopy, so in the near future while hanging out on Te Puna’s deck, visitors could experience the thrill of these primates swinging by just metres away!
“Today marks the culmination of a simply epic journey to construct the first phase of our South East Asia Jungle Track experience that has utterly transformed a large part of Auckland’s zoo. We are beyond excited to finally be able to show our community what we have built and for them to be able to explore the new habitat and home for our orangutans and siamang says Auckland Zoo director, Kevin Buley.
“In many ways its actually difficult to believe we’ve finally made it to this point. The original concept for a new South East Asian area of the Zoo goes back over 10 years. It’s then been five years of planning and two and a half years of actually building the thing. It’s been a project that, in one way or another, has involved the entire Zoo whānau – staff, volunteers and visitors, and we can all now take collective delight – and no small amount of relief - about reaching this first finish line. The entire Track is a renewals programme that has only been made possible for the Zoo as a part of Regional Facilities Auckland with the fantastic support, trust, and backing of Auckland Council who have shared the excitement and vision of this unique endeavour.
“And it is unique. Not just to Aotearoa, but globally. The immersive new habitat provides an exciting and continually engaging environment for the orangutans and siamang and allows our primate staff to give them the very best care and animal welfare outcomes. It also delivers a truly original experience and perspective for our visitors to connect with wildlife and to develop an even deeper appreciation for the extraordinary natural world that we all share,” says Kevin.
