Sydney Zoo: First animals arrive ahead of late-2019 opening
Sydney Zoo has marked a major milestone and welcomed its first animals as it prepares to opens its doors by Christmas. SEE THE NEW ANIMALS HERE.
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Some of the greats of the African jungle now call Bungarribee home as Sydney Zoo welcomes its first animals ahead of this year’s opening.
The zoo unveiled its newest arrivals this week, including four lion brothers, three orang-utans, two cheetahs, three zebras, 11 chimpanzees, 13 baboons and three hyenas.
The new residents have come from as far as Singapore and Melbourne zoos, and will make up the more than 2000 exotic and native animals expected to call the zoo home.
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While an opening date is yet to be announced, the zoo is expected to open its doors before the end of the year.
Among the new arrivals at the zoo’s recently-completed Africa exhibit are orang-utans Santan, Maimunah and Dewi from Melbourne Zoo; baboons and hyenas Enzi, Etana and Endesha from Singapore Zoo.
Plus, the kings of the jungle Bakari, Sheru, Karoo and Virunga from the Taronga Conservation Society.
Managing director Jake Burgess said animal arrivals marked a significant milestone for the zoo, which will offer a safari-like experience for visitors.
“Lions are a symbol of courage and power, and such a majestic big cat species that it only seems fitting they are one of our first exciting arrivals,” Mr Burgess said.
“They, along with all the other animals, are settling into their surroundings nicely under the watchful eye of our expert keepers.”
Working closely with the animals is western Sydney’s Jessica Menendez, who is “ecstatic” about her educational role, which will see her work alongside students across greater Sydney.
Formerly a teacher at the Taronga Zoo education centre, the Parramatta mother said the role was the “best decision” of her career.
“Once we’re open, I will be delivering educational experiences to students that are booked in for their excursions,” Ms Menendez said.
“That is my favourite part of doing what I do; sharing my passion and seeing students engage with wildlife and their environment.
“Being part of a zoo that is brand new is exciting and allows me to work with the western Sydney education community to engage and inspire the next generation of young conservationists.”
Melbourne Zoo’s life sciences manager of primates, Harna Burton, said the new orang-utan arrivals would serve an important role for their species at their new western Sydney home.
“Santan, Maimunah and Dewi will have a vital role to play in bringing an important conservation message to a new audience of visitors to Sydney Zoo, by showing how wonderful orang-utans are and how vital it is that they and their habitats are protected in the wild,” Ms Burton said.
Singapore Zoo’s deputy chief executive Dr Cheng Wen Haur hoped the new baboons and hyenas would be good ambassadors.
“Our curators have visited the new facilities and met with Sydney Zoo’s animal care team,” he said.
“We believe our spotted hyenas and Hamadryas baboons will have a good home in the new park and be important ambassadors for their species.”
