Perth Zoo's elephants get backyard blitz

29/5/03
Perth Zoo's elephants will be the major beneficiaries of a home renovation with a difference.
The State Government is providing $1.1million over two years for the first stage of an upgrade of the elephant exhibit, which is currently home to three females and one male elephant.
Environment and Heritage Minister Judy Edwards said the upgrade would provide extra space and a new barn for the maturing male elephant.
"Plans for stage one also include moving the elephant pool to the public viewing end of the enclosure and strengthening the perimeter fence to cater for the growing bull elephant," Dr Edwards said.
"The zoo is aiming to double the size of the total elephant exercise area and provide a new visitor viewing area as part of the stage one works."
In the first year $700,000 has been allocated to the project as part of Perth Zoo's $1.6million capital works program for 2003-04, with a further $456,000 allocated to complete stage one of the upgrade in the following year.
In addition to the $700,000 for the elephant home redevelopment, the State Government is providing $500,000 for various capital works projects to maintain and improve facilities for the animals and zoo visitors, including additional seating and barbecue upgrades.
Up to $400,000 raised through zoo sponsorships and donations will be used to fund other priority animal exhibit improvements, including new netting and weather cover for the koala colony.

Minister's office: 9220 5050