We are thrilled to announce construction for Adelaide Zoo’s exciting new Variety Children’s Zoo will begin today!
The $1.1 million project will have kids connecting to nature like never before thanks to the interactive and immersive precinct connected to the ever-popular Nature’s Playground.
Once construction is completed, quokkas, critically-endangered bettongs, goats and many more adorable animals will make the move to the new and improved Variety Children’s Zoo.
Thanks to a partnership with Variety the Children’s Charity of South Australia, this exciting new project will allow children of all abilities to get up close and experience the wonder of the natural world.
It will feature two-level elements, balance beams and ladders for goats, climbing branches, a dedicated presentation area for keepers to give educational talks, and aerial walkways connecting the new children’s zoo to Nature’s Playground.
Zoos SA Chief Executive Elaine Bensted said starting the construction of this exciting project was a real cause for celebration.
“With construction for Variety Children’s Zoo starting today, our vision to develop the next generation of conservationists is really starting to take shape,” Elaine said.
“Variety Children’s Zoo will help kids get hands on as they learn and connect with wildlife, and in doing so develop a strong passion for conservation.
“When finalizing the plans, we ensured we had an equal balance between animal welfare, unique facilities, exciting animal encounters and educational moments for visitors.
“The partnership with Variety SA has been pivotal in ensuring the precinct is accessible for all children because everyone deserves the same opportunities to learn and connect.
“We are thrilled to see construction starting and have our aspirations for an inclusive and innovative space realized.”
Chair of the Variety SA Board Rob Kerin is pleased to see the plans coming to fruition thanks to the Variety grant of more than $300,000.
“Variety is very proud to have expanded the zoo experience to more kids who are sick, disadvantaged or who have special needs in 2015 through the development of the all-abilities Nature’s Playground,” Rob said.
“It is exciting to build on this support with the opening of Variety Children’s Zoo, which will create more opportunities for kids of all abilities to enjoy connecting with the environment.”
Spaces are still available for the public to ‘Be the Face’ of the Variety Children’s Zoo.
A larger than life art installation will take centre stage in the area, and for just $50, people can purchase a tile with their photo to remain in the Variety Children’s Zoo into the future.
Construction is expected to be completed later this year.
