Launch of 'Alinta's Creatures in the Night' night zoo experience

17/10/98

Perth Zoo today launched the first ever night zoo experience in Western Australia - 'Alinta's Creatures in the Night'.

Perth Zoo is the first zoo in the world to be lit by natural gas.

Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes and Energy Minister Colin Barnett announced the new operation at a garden party to mark the zoo's centenary today.

Visitors will see two thirds of the zoo during night visits, including the Alinta Reptile Encounter, the Australian Wetlands and the Australian Bushwalk. The African Savannah, the Nocturnal House and the Great Cats section will also be lit.

"The launch of the 'night zoo' experience is a fantastic centenary gift to the people of WA," Mrs Edwardes said.

"Night zoo offers people an entirely new experience because many animals are often more active and demonstrate different behaviours at night."

Mrs Edwardes said 100 gams lamps would be used to light up the zoo's visitor areas and strategic lighting in the enclosures would simulate moonlight.

Mr Barnett said the launch of Alinta's Creatures in the Night represented an important expanded partnership between Perth Zoo and AlintaGas which began with the opening of the popular Alinta Reptile Encounter on World Environment Day 1997.

"The choice of natural gas lighting for a major proportion of its new night zoo operation was a fitting one for a conservation agency like Perth Zoo," he said.

"Natural gas is the cleanest burning fossil fuel.

"Not only will visitors experience the night time sights and sounds of the zoo, but they will be able to enjoy the outdoor WA lifestyle and use the free natural gas barbecues on the century old picnic lawns."

Alinta's Creatures in the Night operates from 6.30pm to 9.30pm starting on Monday until November 7. A further season is planned for autumn.

Media contacts:

Mrs Edwardes - Nicole Trigwell 0413 051 072

Mr Barnett - Justine Whittome 0417 779 699

Perth Zoo - Ian Williams 041 990 4034