 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (January 2021) |
| Orana Wildlife Park | |
|---|---|
 Orana Wildlife Park Logo | |
 | |
| 43°28′03″S 172°27′45″E / 43.4675°S 172.4625°E | |
| Date opened | 1976 |
| Location | Christchurch, New Zealand |
| Land area | 80 ha |
| No. of animals | 1000+ |
| No. of species | 40+ |
| Memberships | ZAA[1] |
| Website | oranawildlifepark |
Orana Wildlife Park is New Zealand's only open-range zoo, sitting on 80 hectares of land, located on the outskirts of Christchurch.[2][better source needed] It opened in 1976, and is owned and operated by the Orana Wildlife Trust, a registered charity.[citation needed] The aims of the Trust are to provide quality recreational opportunities for local people and visitors to Christchurch; conserve endangered native and exotic wildlife; educate visitors (especially children) about environmental and conservation issues; and support research relating to endangered animals.
Orana generates over 95% of its income through gate takings and other trading activities. Fundraising is an essential focus; Orana must separately raise 100% of funds for all capital projects, improvements and animal transfers. Funds have been donated from a variety of sources, including philanthropic trusts, private donors and bequests. As of 2017, over $15M has been raised to develop the Park. All buildings and enclosures except the Great Ape Centre have been built in-house. Many local businesses have assisted in the Park's construction by donating materials, consultancy and equipment.
In 2013 the park suffered a number of setbacks, including an ape escape, snowstorms and wind damage, and was forced to close its doors for 10 days.[3][4]
In 2015 Orana became home to New Zealand's only gorillas, with three males, including a silverback arriving at the park.[5]
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
zaa_listwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Orana Wildlife Park, TripAdvisor.
- ^ Chch zoo on lockdown after storm. 3 News NZ. 12 September 2013.
- ^ "Orana to re-open tomorrow after 10 day closure". Scoop News. 20 September 2013. Retrieved 29 January 2022.
- ^ "Face to face with 190 kg of hairy muscle: My encounter with Christchurch gorillas". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 30 July 2015.