Plans to upgrade two habitats at Wellington Zoo, described as “old” and falling short of “current acceptable standards,” may be jeopardised as the Wellington City Council reassesses its Long Term Plan (LTP).

Budget Shortfall Forces Project Cuts

Earlier this week, Mayor Tory Whanau outlined projects that could face the axe as the council revises its LTP. This revision follows a significant budget setback of half a billion dollars, triggered when the council voted not to sell its shares in Wellington Airport.

Picture source: amp.rnz.co.nz

One of the major projects now under threat is $13.75 million in funding for the zoo’s ambitious Master Plan.

Zoo’s Needs Raised in Council Meeting

The potential cuts to the zoo’s plans were brought up during a Thursday council meeting by the zoo’s Chair, following reports by Stuff detailing which projects might be cancelled.

As part of the Master Plan, $12.6 million has been set aside to replace the zoo’s nearly 40-year-old lion habitat. Additionally, $1.15 million is allocated to revamp the giraffe area, which would also include a new “glamping” experience.

Zoo Warns of Infrastructure Deterioration

According to Jamie Tuuta, Chair of the zoo’s governing body, “Some of our infrastructure is getting to a point where it’s not about repair and maintenance; it’s about potential replacement or reconfiguration.” Tuuta emphasised the urgency of addressing the aging facilities.

Picture source: Wellington Zoo

Chris Jerram, the zoo’s acting Chief Executive and Director of Safety, Assets & Sustainability, stressed that the Master Plan addresses essential needs, not luxuries. “The key thing to understand,” Jerram explained, “is that many of these projects are replacing what will, in another five to ten years, become completely defunct assets.”

A Growing Need for Strategic Investment

Jerram warned that without funding for the Master Plan, the zoo would have to divert a larger portion of its renewals budget toward temporary repairs, rather than investing in new infrastructure. “Essentially, we’ll be forced to patch up assets that really need complete replacement,” he cautioned.

Picture source: myguidewellington.com

Decision Deadline Approaching

The council is scheduled to deliberate on which projects to reduce, delay, or remove from the LTP, with final decisions expected from November 21.