Kids wild about animal-themed zoo playground

• Perth Zoo's Variety playground area gets $380,000 facelift

• New play equipment and better access for children with special needs

Children visiting Perth Zoo can now enjoy new animal-themed play equipment as part of a major upgrade to the zoo's Variety playground area.

Environment Minister Albert Jacob said the nature-focused play area was an exciting new attraction for children visiting the zoo.

"The playground is now a colourful entertainment area with a range of play opportunities," Mr Jacob said.

"This includes new storytelling spaces, an enclosed elephant trunk slide, mysterious 'imagination areas', a climbing tree, more African drums to play and extra seating for parents.

"A key feature of the playground is the integration of features for children with special needs. These include sensory gardens, touch toys and specially designed play equipment such as slippery slides for children with mobility disabilities."

The new equipment also includes a new saucer-shaped swing that can safely swing a group of toddlers or allow a child with mobility issues to lie comfortably in the saucer while being swung.

"The revamped playground is designed to slow the pace of play and it is also great for parents and carers who can now comfortably rest their legs while their children enjoy a safe but stimulating play area," the Minister said.

The State Government contributed $265,000 to the upgrades and Variety - the Children's Charity of Western Australia - provided a further $115,000 to fund play equipment for children living with special needs and a further $50,000 for ongoing maintenance support.

The upgrade of the original 18-year-old playground completes the second stage of the Government's major upgrade of visitor facilities at Perth Zoo.

It follows a $600,000 enhancement of the zoo's front entrance in 2012, with the next stage of the project to be a major upgrade of the main lawn toilet block.

         Fact File

• Perth Zoo recorded 665,242 visitors in 2012-13 - its highest attendance ever

• 252,092 of these visitors were children aged 15 or under.  This is 38% of all visitors

• 55% of adult visitors to the zoo visited with their children

Minister's office - 6552 5800