TARONGA WESTERN PLAINS ZOO, THE WATERHOLE

"The Waterhole" is a popular African themed water play precinct that allows children to cool off within the Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

Safari zoo water play area

The newly opened large African themed zoo water play area features automated jets that spray water from an African Elephant’s trunk, much to the delight of children. There are also wading hippopotamus adults and calf that children can climb and play on.

The custom fabricated African water features compliment the surrounding live animal exhibits. Guests can rest and enjoy lunch or a coffee at the nearby Waterhole Cafe, keep an eye on their children in the water park and be entertained by meerkats and tortoise.

The zoo water play area is attractive for large groups of children. As well as providing a fun way to cool off on hot days, it provides educational opportunities for wildlife animal encounters.

Hippopotamus sculptures – 2 adults and 1 calf

Two heavy duty fibreglass full size hippos without legs (to give the appearance of wading) were an ideal alternative to a full-size standing hippo. This meant the hippos were low to the ground and easy for the younger children to climb upon. Natureworks added a 2-pack polyurethane paint system with a clear coating to waterproof the sculptures, and included brackets so the hippos could be fastened to a concrete slab.

The hippos’ heads were reconstructed to sit above the ground instead of in their natural pose looking down. This provided added interest and enhanced the characteristics of the finished climb and play item.

A tourist drawcard for Dubbo and the zoo

The Taronga Western Plains Zoo are delighted with the completed safari zoo water play precinct. It helps keep their guests entertained and provides an interactive area for the children to cool off and have a break from walking around the zoo.

Project details

Client | Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo

Project | African themed water play animals for zoo water park

Date | 2020