Hamilton Zoo

Infobox zoo
zoo_name = Hamilton Zoo
logo=Logo Hamilton Zoo.jpg
logo_caption= Hamilton Zoo's Logo


image_caption=Sumatran Tiger at Hamilton Zoo
date_opened = 1969
location = Brymer Road,
RD9,
Hamilton,
NZ
area = 25 ha
num_animals = 400+
num_species = 93+
members = ARAZPA
exhibits = Chimpanzee, Sumatran Tiger, White Rhino, Painted Hunting Dog, Small Cats, Small Primates, Free Flight Sanctuary
website = http://www.hamiltonzoo.co.nz/index.asp

Hamilton Zoo is the main zoological garden of Hamilton, New Zealand. It is situated on Brymer Road in the Hamilton suburb of Rotokauri, on the outskirts of the metropolitan area. It is owned by the Hamilton City Council with the Department of Recreation and Welfare handling the day to day running of the site.

Hamilton Zoo is the first zoo in New Zealand to become fully accredited by the Australasian Regional Association of Zoological Parks and Aquaria. [Hamilton Press, 12 March 2008]

History

The park was founded in 1969 as a game farm, the Hilldale Game Farm. It was originally owned by a Mr. and Mrs. Powell. They mainly raised game birds but there was also a small collection of exotic mammals and birds. The zoo become unprofitable and was facing closure in 1976 before the Hamilton City Council stepped in and brought the site, buildings and stock. In 1984 the zoo again faced closure but due to public pressure the Council resolved to kept it open. Day to day running of the zoo was transferred to The Department of Recreation and Welfare.

A concept plan was drawn up to give the zoo a clear direction, this resulted in the Zoo Education Centre opening in 1987. The plan also called for upgraded and new exhibits, plantings, boardwalks and paths.

The position of Zoo Director was created in 1989.

Current Zoo

The zoo features a number of exhibits, some unique to the zoo. The zoo has over 200 bird species.
*Parrot Court - Contains Australasian, South American and Indian parrots, including Yellow-bibbed Lory, Blue-and-yellow macaw, and the galah cockatoo.
*Free Flight Sanctuary - This is one of the largest free-flight aviaries in the southern hemisphere.
*Reptile House - This includes tuatara, eastern water dragons, various geckos and blue tongued skink amongst others.
*Chimpanzee Exhibit - This exhibit features the zoo's chimpanzee troop which came from Auckland Zoo.
*Sumatran Tiger Exhibit - The zoo currently has two Sumatran tigers who are brother and sister.
*Waikato Wetlands - This area of the zoo has recreated to represent a local wetlands area. Kept here are New Zealand falcons.
*African Animals - One side of the zoo conatins mainly animals from Africa including the large ungulates such as white rhino and giraffes.

Future developments

No major future developments are currently scheduled for the zoo, however there are some minor works planned, including an upgrade to the Giraffe accommodation.

References

External links

* [http://www.hamiltonzoo.co.nz/index.asp Hamilton Zoo Official Site] ----