Perth Zoo is wrapping up the financial year with its highest visitation on record, welcoming 717,623 people through the gates in the last 12 months.

This is a significant boost from the previous record in the 2015-16 financial year, with 695,091 visitors.

There have been several highlights for the zoo in the last 12 months, including its 120th birthday on October 17, 2018, preluding the arrival of two new lionesses and the opening of their new exhibit.

The popular return of Zoorassic Park, featuring life-sized animatronic dinosaurs and megafauna, drew large crowds to Perth Zoo in the spring and summer months. The temporary exhibition was used to highlight the importance of saving current wildlife from extinction.

Perth Zoo also celebrated the births of several rare species in their care, recently introducing the public to six endangered African Painted pups, three vulnerable otter pups and one critically endangered White-cheeked Gibbon.

Almost one-third of the animals at Perth Zoo are involved in breeding programs to bolster wild populations. Visitors to Perth Zoo help support the care of the animals, through entry ticket sales and Zoo Friends memberships.

Visitation also contributes to valuable medical care for wildlife brought to the zoo’s vet hospital. In the last year, Perth Zoo has rehabilitated two orphaned wombats and hundreds of endangered black cockatoos.

Comments attributed to Environment Minister Stephen Dawson:

“There have been many milestones for Perth Zoo over the last 12 months and it’s great to see so many people from WA and all over the world visiting.

“The zoo is committed to saving wildlife and providing the highest level of care for their animals. The record-breaking visitation helps support some of this valuable work.

“I recently renewed my own family Zoo Friends membership annual pass because it’s great value for regular visitors with entry included 365 days of the year.”