Western Australians will soon have a new way to interact with nature and wildlife at Perth Zoo, with work now underway on a new state-of-the-art gibbon habitat - the next phase of the Perth Zoo Master Plan.

  • Construction begins on Perth Zoo's new Primate Crossing habitat
  • Part of Cook Government's major $51 million investment to renew Perth Zoo
  • New facilities due to be completed by early 2025

Western Australians will soon have a new way to interact with nature and wildlife at Perth Zoo, with work now underway on a new state-of-the-art gibbon habitat - the next phase of the Perth Zoo Master Plan.

The $11.7 million project - which will include development of a new Parkland Heart precinct - will improve visitor amenities while creating new and exciting ways for the community to experience the Zoo's wildlife.

As part of the works, the new 'Primate Crossing' habitat will feature overhead rope pathways along which gibbons can swing directly above visitors as they enter the Zoo.

This innovative design enables more space for the gibbons to move by tripling their habitat, while also giving visitors the opportunity to see the animals in action.

Other works underway within the Zoo's new Parkland Heart Precinct include increasing visitor amenity at its main lawn, which is set to feature an arbour, a free BBQ area, additional seating, and new event areas.

A local Aboriginal artist has been engaged to design a feature artwork for the arbour, which will display the six Noongar seasons, with seating designed to pay homage to WA's wildlife. 

The works will also comprise a new ablution block, including an accessible Changing Places facility. The new primate run is expected to be complete in early 2025.

The Cook Government is investing $51 million to deliver the Perth Zoo Master Plan, which has already delivered a new café precinct, playground, and function centre.

Monthly visitation continues to hit new records, with a record of 100,000 visitors to the Zoo in October.

Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:

"Western Australians love a day at the Zoo, and we want to make sure the Perth Zoo experience is world-class for years to come.

"Last year's launch of the new café precinct, function centre and playground resulted in the Zoo reaching record visitation that month, and we want to keep that success going.

"Our investments are upgrading and modernising the Zoo, delivering a better experience for visitors and a better habitat for wildlife.

Comments attributed to Environment Minister Reece Whitby:

"Our Government's investment in Perth Zoo shows we are committed to supporting nature-based tourism throughout Western Australia.

"I want Western Australians to have plenty of opportunities to see and experience wildlife in our State, with the Primate Crossing and Parkland Heart precinct a perfect example of how good conservation outcomes can align with greater tourism opportunities.

"I look forward to seeing visitors bring their families along and enjoy this unique experience within Perth Zoo."