Development approved for Canberra National Zoo and Aquarium

A major redevelopment of Canberra's National Zoo and Aquarium looks set to proceeed following the National Capital Authority's approval of a new master plan of the site.

The redevelopment includes an expansion of the site and designs for five lodge-style huts with up to 10 rooms on an open African-style savannah.

National Zoo and Aquarium owner Richard Tindale hopes work on stage one will start by the end of the year, stated "the main bulk of the zoo is non-profitable - the plan is that the hotel will be the area that actually makes a profit so it will allow us to put more money into future developments." The first stage of the hotel will be built within a new savannah area and have between 16 and 24 rooms. It is designed to give visitors a more interactive animal experience.

Tindale added "there will be two or three lodges in the first two stages, they will be between six and 10 rooms each - it will just depend on budget as to how may of those I can do in stage one."

The Canberra Times reported that National Capital Authority's Chief Executive Gary Rake said the master plan revision was received in June, and quoted him as saying "the master plan proposes to extend the range of recreation activities on offer to encourage wider participation and visitation and add services to cater to the needs of zoo visitors.

"(The expansion) seeks to create an environment where visitors are given a broader experience of animals in a stylised habitat in a park-like atmosphere. It is intended the educational and tourist experience be enhanced by the construction of a central lodge and accommodation for overnight stays."

Tindale said the hotel design had changed slightly to meet with NCA approval, stating "they said they wanted to see more control over the building, so it's been offset - so it's not in a straight line. Some of the building will be single storey and some will be double storey."

The National Zoo and Aquarium is a family-run business that receives no Government or Commonwealth support, and relies on entry fees from the public to continue operations. The zoo also relies on a large number of volunteer recruits to aid in the management of it's grounds and the animals residing there.

29th December 2010 - BUSY CHRISTMAS FOR CANBERRA’S NATIONAL ZOO AND AQUARIUM