21 November 2006

Tall order at Wellington Zoo

Construction has begun on a new giraffe house at Wellington Zoo, an integral part of the Zoo's new mixed African species exhibit, the Zoo's General Manager, Operations Mauritz Basson announced today.

'Construction on the giraffe house is estimated to take around six months. It has been designed by Athfield Architects and will provide visitors with face to face viewing of the giraffes through an internal raised walkway.'

'The giraffe house will have a crush which will give Zoo staff access to all sides of the giraffe, so they can conduct routine medical checks and any minor procedures.'

'Our biggest challenge is moving the giraffes from their current enclosure into the new exhibit. Planning is already underway for the move and we will transport the giraffes through the Zoo on a custom designed trailer.'

'The mixed African species exhibit will house several other species alongside giraffe, including zebra, ostrich and antelope such as sitatunga,' said Mauritz.

ENDS

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