In something that seems sort of like the opening to a Jurassic Park sequel (if you’ve seen too many movies), a massive and unique new zoo has just been given final approval by the Planning Assessment Commission to be built in Western Sydney.
The $36 million ‘exotic and native animal conservation’ sanctuary will be built on a 16 hectare block of land overlooking Bungarribee Park.
The zoo, which will be off the Great Western Highway, will reportedly be cage free, and will feature 30 exhibitions including African safari animals, able to be viewed from elevated walkways.
Underwater glass viewing areas of hippopotamus, crocodiles and other aquatic life is also planned. According to The Urban Developer, the new zoo will appear to be free of fences with enclosure devices concealed in the landscape elements. Hmm. Seems familiar.
There will also be an integrated Indigenous and natural heritage program, focusing on the local Darug people of Western Sydney. That sounds legit important and awesome.
Managing director of the zoo Jake Burgess said the program would also have a strong focus on animal welfare.
This will promote awareness and an affinity with animals, improving our educational outcomes and increasing the willingness of people to value and protect them. No other zoo in Australia offers an embedded Aboriginal heritage program of this kind.
The attraction is expected to attract around 745 000 people a year, and inject $45 million zoo bucks into the NSW economy. It is due to be finished in 2018.
Stay tuned for more updates, such as if they start to create dinosaurs.
