- Organisation supported: Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo, Wellington
- Project details: A grant to redevelop the zoo’s Asian small-clawed otter enclosure
- Four Winds Foundation grant funding allocated: $50,000
For visitors to Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo, the first animals they encounter are often the most memorable: Si, Jambi, Eko, and Bhutan, the Zoo’s beloved Asian small-clawed otters.
Wanting to keep these playful ambassadors a highlight of every visit and enhance their well-being, Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo is redeveloping the otter habitat, beginning with the construction of a new sleeping hut.
This is the latest step in enhancing the Zoo’s role as a community-focused, conservation-driven destination.
The Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo team says: “The redevelopment of the otter habitat was identified as a priority project as it is the first habitat people experience when they enter the Zoo.”
“Otters are a community favourite, so we designed a new viewing deck and window… accompanied by a new house for our expert Zoo keepers to provide better care for the animals, including a new indoor sleeping space for the otters – and visitors can see into this space as well.”
The project has been made possible through the ongoing support of the Four Winds Foundation, the Zoo team continues.
“Four Winds Foundation has generously supported multiple projects within the Zoo… They have been a long-term supporter and understand our Kaupapa ‘Me Tiaki, Kia Ora – we must all look after the environment so all life can flourish.’”
According to the Zoo, the goal for the otter habitat development “was to increase the space available for the otters and improve the viewing opportunities for our visitor community when they first enter the Zoo. This ensures we create more opportunities for visitors to connect with animals when they arrive.”
With more space for otters to thrive, and more opportunities for the public to connect with them, Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo is bringing conservation, care, and community closer together, proudly supported by the Four Winds Foundation.
