Switzerland: New Australia Facility at Zoo Zurich Now Open

Today, Zoo Zurich has officially inaugurated its new Australia facility, which replaces the former Africa-themed building now characterized by a dry bush landscape with red soil, rough rocks and a sparse vegetation (cf. our park report in EAP, 2/18). In the belonging in- and outdoor enclosures of the redesigned facility, visitors are invited to observe prominent ambassadors of Australia’s fauna such as koalas, lizards and ratites. The accessible outdoor enclosure is also home to Bennett wallabies and a loris aviary, which was opened at the zoo last year, complements the new theme area.

Furthermore, the offer for visitors includes a special exhibition on invasive species, which are threatening Australia’s original fauna. With the “Australian Ark” animal conservation project, the zoo actively contributes to the work of local conservationists.

Andreas Hohl, Deputy Director of Zoo Zurich and Head of the logistics and development departments, has directed the concept planning of the Australia facility. The project was realized by vetschpartner Landschaftsarchitekten AG and L3P Architekten AG. The zoo invested a total of approx. 8.4 million Euros (9.9 million Swiss Franc) in the new facility, which was exclusively financed by donations. (eap)