• Perth Zoo finalises 20-year master plan, including new orangutan enclosure, animal overhead tunnels and conservation centre 
  • McGowan Government kicks off development with more than $40 million in funding
  • New works will deliver on McGowan Government’s election commitment 
  • First developments expected to commence before the end of the year
  • Improved experience for locals and tourists alike

Perth Zoo is set to build on its reputation as a contemporary, world-class venue with the final plan for the Perth Zoo’s future Master Plan Project released today.

The Premier and Environment Minister today visited the zoo, on Endangered Species Day, to launch the 20-year master plan and announce Perth Zoo is expecting a couple of new additions to its giraffe herd. 

Perth Zoo is part of the Australasian Giraffe Breeding Program to support the vulnerable species. Both resident adult females, Kitoto and Ellie, are pregnant. Since 1995 there have been 10 giraffes born at the zoo.

Extending the African Savannah, which is home for the giraffes, is just one of the projects in the 20-year master plan, which has been kick-started with a $43.5 million investment from the State Government, including a $30 million election commitment.

Construction of the first two developments of the master plan - a new café and function centre to be located in the green space at the centre of the zoo is expected to commence before the end of the year. 

The Perth Zoo Master Plan takes cutting edge international zoo design and innovative ideas to provide the best possible outcomes for visitors and animals. It will give the animals more room to roam, create world-class habitats and give visitors even closer animal experiences.

Main features include a new conservation centre which will allow the public to see procedures underway in the veterinary hospital and provide opportunities for the community to learn more about animal breeding areas where Perth Zoo is helping fight species extinction. 

A new orangutan jungle will be built to support the zoo’s world leading orangutan program and enable the public to learn more about these great apes. 

There will also be a new plaza style zoo entry, as well as a tree house and nature play area. 

Perth Zoo has today launched a donation portal to seek public and private donations to deliver this exciting 20-year transformation project. 

Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan:

“For 123 years, Perth Zoo has provided wonderful memories for so many Western Australians.

“Now the time has come for the zoo to get a new lease on life - and this 20-year master plan will deliver on that.

“As we announce the zoo’s future, we are also delighted to share the news that the next generation of giraffes at Perth Zoo are on the way. 

“The master plan will ensure our world-renowned zoo continues to provide new wildlife experiences for Western Australians and visitors into the future, and deliver more room for animals to roam.

“The first two developments, a new café and new function facilities, will break ground later this year. 

“These two community amenities will be unlike anything currently offered in metropolitan Perth and will be unique venues for dining and special events.” 

Comments attributed to Environment Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:

“The transformation of Perth Zoo will provide opportunities for many more generations to come to connect with wildlife and learn about conservation.

“Perth Zoo is a Western Australian conservation tourism icon that is home to 1500 animals and welcomes more than 700,000 visitors each year. 
 
“The master plan will enable the zoo animals to have expanded habitats offering all the creature comforts they require, whilst supporting the breeding and research programs that are aimed at fighting extinction.

“The future for Perth Zoo is an exciting one, aimed at growing visitation for our zoo and our State, and today I am asking the community to join us on this wild journey.”