Zoo upgrades allow for more monkeying around
March 12th, 2010
In a great outcome for the Region, the highly anticipated chimp enclosure, home to Cassie and Ockie, was officially opened today, Friday 12 March.
The much loved animals, which moved into their new residence in December, have made their new home their own, and settled well into their fresh environment.
In exciting times for the Zoo, the chimp’s enclosure has increased from 200 square meters to 1000 square meters to resemble their native habitat and meet new enclosure standards. The enclosure cost approximately $1.3M, with the State Government investing $1 million into
the much needed project.
Minister Schwarten visite the Zoo to officially open the chimpanzee enclosure on behalf of Desley Boyle, Minister for Local Government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships.
Rockhampton Regional Council conducted extensive community consultation to determine the future direction of the Rockhampton Zoo, finding that the chimpanzee enclosure was strongly desired by the community.
Council officers worked closely with Bio Security Queensland, engineers, chimpanzee experts and construction experts to develop the state of art facility.