17 June 2011
New vet hospital ready for action

The opening today of Werribee Open Range Zoo's new veterinary hospital will enable the zoo to expand its animal collection, paving the way for the arrival of three male gorillas later this year.

The $2.1 million facility is equipped to treat a vast range of large animals including gorillas, cheetah, lions and antelope.

Zoo Director Sally Lewis said the opening of the new hospital heralded an exciting new era for the zoo which would see increased visitation, new and improved facilities and greater conservation outcomes.

"Without these new veterinary facilities we would not be able to substantially grow our animal collection and tap into the enormous potential of this relatively young zoo," Ms Lewis said.

"It also means the veterinary team will perform fewer field procedures and operate in a more sterile environment which will enhance the safety of the animals and relieve pressure on vet staff.

"The new hospital is ten times the size of the former hospital and while the former facility provided great animal care, it lacked space and the ability to accommodate large specialist teams and equipment."

Hospital features include:
• Large surgical room with plenty of room for animals, staff, specialists, media and students, plus extensive glass windows to enable viewing from outside the surgery.
• Three surgical and post mortem tables.
• Three wards for short-term care of ‘patients' and a post mortem room.
• Two designated rooms for diagnostic equipment and field equipment which will reduce dust, dirt, temperature fluctuations and clutter.
• Separate ventilation zones ensuring sterility for surgery and avoiding any potential cross-contamination.
• Sustainable design including double glazed windows, harvested rainwater for toilet flushing and hosing, building orientation to maximize thermal properties, as well as insulated roofing.

"This hospital is a world class facility that will provide a crucial building block for the zoo's future," Ms Lewis said.

"The new $3.6million gorilla exhibit, one of the largest gorilla exhibits in the world, will be the first of many exciting new projects to flow from this very important milestone we've celebrated today."