By XAVIER SMERDON
WYNDHAM’S biggest tourist attraction has had a world-class makeover that it is hoped will bring in thousands of extra visitors every year.
The Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Ryan Smith, officially opened the new visitor arrivals precinct at the zoo last week.
Students from Werribee Primary School were among the first to see the new multi-million dollar precinct and helped Mr Smith unveil some new sculptures.
Along with a new gift shop and ticket booths made from a safari bus, the new precinct will also be home to a new tourism centre that will be run by Wyndham Council.
Mr Smith said the redevelopment would make the zoo easier, quicker and more modern for over 400,000 visitors each year.
“This new arrivals precinct is critical to the future success of the zoo as it continues to draw tourists and families, and is essential to wildlife conservation,” Mr Smith said.
“Now in its 30th year, Werribee Open Range Zoo is growing rapidly and last year welcomed a record-breaking 420,000 visitors.
“The new entry will improve accessibility and will make sure that the zoo is maintained as it prepares for the next 30 years.”
An additional 250 car parks were also part of the redevelopment.
Nine sculptures of classic African animals were also revealed, and they seemed especially popular with the Werribee Primary School students.
The design for the sculptures was chosen by the children of different zoo staff members.
