LIONS & TIGERS & … SHARKS? OH MY!
09 Sep 2015
Sydney is set to get a new zoo. At a cost of $36 million, Sydney Zoo is slated to be constructed within the Western Sydney Parklands at Bungarribee.
The development of Sydney Zoo is a private venture proposed by John Burgess – the founder of Sydney Aquarium – and is projected to cost $36 million to build. The proposed design offers elevated walkways that wander through an African grasslands exhibit, underwater glass viewing areas and reptile houses.
A development application is currently underway for the new zoo to be built in Sydney’s western suburbs after developers received a lease grant for the land. Landscape Architect firm ASPECT Studios together with MISHO+Associates are in the process of working up a DA to be submitted for the 16.5 hectare private zoo.
The zoo would include over 30 open exhibits that house animals such as rhinos, lions, zebras, hippos and sharks. Many of the animals will come from breeding programs already in place at zoos around Australia.
Mr Burgess claims the animals will receive world-class care with extra large enclosures and animal experts on site. Sydney Zoo will also run a breeding program for threatened and endangered animals, including Asian elephants, lowland gorillas and tigers.
Environment Minister Mark Speakman said the zoo will be a big attraction for Sydney's growing population. "Since Taronga Zoo was first established 100 years ago, Sydney's population has absolutely ballooned,"
"We think now there is room for another world-class zoo here in Western Sydney.", said Mr Speakman.
If planning approval is given, Sydney Zoo will open by the end of 2017. It is expected that close to 750 000 people could attend the zoo each year, contributing a projected $45 million to Sydney’s economy. The zoo is also estimated to create 160 jobs during construction and 120 jobs once open.
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