16 October 2006

Wellington Zoo’s 100th birthday bash

Wellington Zoo will celebrate its 100 years in style with a huge party on Saturday 28 October, Wellington Zoo CEO Karen Fifield said today.

‘This is an important milestone in the Zoo’s, and in Wellington’s, history. It is only right that we have a big party to celebrate being the first Zoo in New Zealand to turn 100,’ Karen said.

‘We want the people of Wellington to celebrate the history of the Zoo, reflecting on where we’ve been and to get excited about where the Zoo is heading.’

‘Over the weekend of the 28th and 29th October we’ll be giving Zoo visitors the chance to go on a behind the scenes tour of our brand new chimp indoor home, Wellington Zoo’s newest capital project.’

‘The first chimpanzees at the Zoo arrived for the 50th anniversary of the Zoo in 1956. They have lived in their current indoor home – though it has been added to and updated – since then. This is the first exhibit of Wellington Zoo’s next 100 years and we think opening it at this time is a great way to celebrate our past as well.’

‘Special historic tours about the Zoo have been developed and we will have old photos and memorabilia around the Zoo. We’re also asking our visitors to let us know their favourite memories from the first 100 years of Wellington Zoo.’

‘On the 28th in the Zoo there will be also be lots of fun and entertainment going on. Time Cinema will be on site showing some old animal movies, Classic Hits will be hosting a barbecue, there’ll be music, face painters and lots more.’

‘The first 100 children to come into the Zoo will get in for free and at midday we’ll be singing Happy Birthday to celebrate 100 years of Wellington Zoo.’

Wellington Zoo was established in 1906 when a young lion called King Dick was given to the city of Wellington by the Bostock and Wombwell circus. The Zoo’s centenary celebrations are running from 28 October until 4 March 2007.

ENDS

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