New enclosure for lions opened in Perth Zoo's African Savannah area [Audio]

September 24, 1998

The lions at Perth Zoo can now roam free in a new specially designed enclosure which replicates their natural African savannah environment.

Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes opened the new exhibit in the zoo's popular African Savannah area today.

Mrs Edwardes said while the lions - one of the zoo's most popular attractions - would be much happier in their new bigger and more natural setting, the public would also be able to get a closer look at the animals from three new viewing areas.

"Zoo staff have worked hard to design a new enclosure which features many of the surroundings that would be enjoyed by the lions if they were living in an African savannah," she said.

"The enclosure features native African flora species such as the 'sausage tree' and the lions will be kept warm during Perth's winter by centrally heated rocks located throughout the savannah setting."

Mrs Edwardes said the zoo's pride of three lions - Alistair and his two female companions Mafuta and Manzi - were moved from their former enclosure last Monday by zoo staff.

The Minister said today's opening was significant for the zoo, which is about to celebrate its centenary year.

"Opening a new lion enclosure is quite fitting during this centenary year because when the zoo was opened in October 1898, two lions were one of the feature exhibits," she said.

Mrs Edwardes said the African Savannah was the first of many exhibits developed by the zoo in recent years where the visitor's experience was enhanced through more open habitats which demonstrated the animal's natural environment.

Developments like the Lotteries Butterfly House, the Alinta Reptile Encounter, the Australian Bushwalk and Wetlands were examples of this.

The Minister said the area that the lions occupied was set to become part of the zoo's rain forest zone and would house the Sumatran Tiger breeding program.

Media contact: Nicole Trigwell 9421 7777