The sights, sounds and smells of a tropical Sumatran rainforest will thrill visitors at a new precinct being built at Auckland Zoo.
The new Southeast Asia development will help people understand the impact of a major conservation issue, deforestation, which is affecting the habitats of species all over the world.
In Southeast Asia this includes Sumatran tigers, orangutans, siamang gibbons, and small-clawed otters – species that will feature in the development.
Experience the sights and sounds of the jungle
Zoo director Jonathan Wilken says, “This unique habitat will be a first for Auckland Zoo visitors. They will be able to experience all the sights, sounds and smells of a tropical Sumatran rainforest with the rich flora and fauna of one of the most biodiverse places on earth.”
Most of the buildings in the precinct are designed to blend in with the landscape to allow visitors to feel as much a part of the animals’ environments as possible.
Get up close to rare species
An exciting part of the development is an $8.4 million climate-controlled building. This will offer not only sheltered visitor space, but also a stunning habitat for the zoo to introduce some amazing new species including Tomistoma (a large Southeast Asian crocodilian species), river turtles and fish that require a temperature-controlled environment.
The new Sumatran rainforest will be the single largest development to date at the zoo and a $50 million renewal of approximately a fifth of its public spaces. Work is due to start in November and will take two years to complete.
Council-controlled organisation Regional Facilities Auckland manages major regional facilities and iconic venues across Auckland, including Auckland Zoo.
