The Andrews Labor Government is building a new facility at the Melbourne Zoo for Himalayan Snow Leopards and Sumatran Tigers.
Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio was at the Zoo today to release designs for the $9 million Leopard Ridge facility, which will offer visitors a rare insight into the lives of the stunning predators and give the animals the safe and comfortable home they deserve.
Leopard Ridge will also become home for Tasmanian Devils and Coatis, and will highlight the national effort to protect Tasmanian Devils from a deadly contagious cancer.
The project is the final instalment of the Melbourne Zoo’s popular new Predators Precinct, beginning with Lion Gorge in 2014.
Lion Gorge already displays African Lions and Hunting Dogs, Philippines Crocodiles and Chameleons. Soon there will be an even greater array of the world’s most extraordinary predators.
Melbourne Zoo is one of Victoria’s great tourist icons and offers something for the whole family. The Labor Government is helping the much-loved institution grow, so it attracts more visitors than ever before.
It’s not just a great day out, it’s a vital educational resources for schools and universities, and a great place to learn about how to protect our natural world.
Leopard Ridge will be completed by the end of 2017.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio
“Leopard Ridge will give visitors a rare glimpse into the lives of some of the world’s great predators. This will be a must see.”
“We’ve given careful consideration to ensure this project meets the needs of animals and visitors. We look forward to seeing it up and running by next year’s summer peak period.”
“The Melbourne Zoo is one of Victoria’s much-loved institutions. We’re growing it, so that the Zoo can attract up to 2 million visitors by 2020.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020