Taronga Zoo's 'Zoofari' redevelopment to present new wildlife experience

The $2.1 million redevelopment of Taronga Western Plains Zoo's Zoofari Lodge is well underway and is expected to be ready by April 2014.

Commenting on the development, which commenced in September, NSW Environment Minister Robyn Parker said the project will improve the award winning overnight experiences and will continue to lead the field of zoo and nature-based overnight experiences in Australia.

Minister Parker explained "Zoofari Lodge was the first zoo-based accommodation experience to be opened in Australia and has remained popular with Zoo visitors ever since, receiving numerous awards and sparking rave reviews along the way.

"This redevelopment will generally enhance the overall experience, with the new high quality accommodation keeping Zoofari Lodge at the forefront of zoo and nature-based overnight experiences."

Under the development, seven older style tented lodges built in 1995 will be replaced with 10 new lodges that directly overlook the Zoo's African Savannah exhibit. The Zoofari Lodge redevelopment follows the opening of the Zoo's most recent overnight experience, Billabong Camp in April 2013.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo's General Manager Matthew Fuller said following the tender process the successful applicant, Joss Constructions, has been hard at work with the new accommodation already starting to take shape.

Fuller added "this redevelopment is the second stage of the Zoofari Lodge upgrade. The first stage Main House refurbishment, with a more contemporary African design was completed in 2012.

"Zoofari Lodge will continue to operate throughout the construction period, with minimal impact, but at one point there will be less capacity than usual."

For more information go to www.taronga.org.au/wakeupinthewild

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