Zoo seeks more space in ambitious expansion plan
Dublin Zoo has revealed plans to expand its grounds.
The zoo intends to open a veterinary facility complete with operating theatre, staff and surgeons on site, as well as a new greenhouse for an ambitious plant project.
Dublin Zoo's new horticultural site would market the zoo as an important hub for plant life.
Dublin Curator of horticulture, Stephen Butler said: "Plants are extremely important in Dublin Zoo so that we can give our animals habitats that are naturalistic.
"Plants also help us to immerse our visitors into the animals' world."
As part of the plans, some animal housing and veterinary offices will be demolished and a number of temporary horticultural buildings will be removed.
The plans have been submitted to Dublin City Council for approval.
More than 900,000 visitors walked through the zoo's gates in 2007 and it has been recognised as one of the most modern zoos in Europe.
Investments in recent years have seen a transformation in zoo culture and an expansion of space and facilities for the animals.
No longer considered just a 'children's only' facility, there has been a huge increase in the number of adult visitors eager to see the wildlife available there.
The Department of Education even provides a range of activity based learning programmes, summer camps, workshops and activity days and a leisure and active retirement programme for adults.
hnews@herald.ie
- Caitlin McBride
