Orana Wildlife Park needs another $2 million to plug funding gap

Christchurch's Orana Wildlife Park warns it still needs at least $2 million by mid-2027 or the board could face "very hard decisions" about the zoo's future.

The park's leaders said they were grateful to Christchurch City Council for a recent $1.2m emergency grant but it was not enough to resolve the park's serious funding shortfall.

In September the park warned that its cash reserves were set to run out by March 2027.

Orana Wildlife Trust co-chair Ken Hughey said it was devastating for the park to be in financial trouble in its 50th year.

"There is a perception that because council has approved this grant, we are now okay. We are not," he said.

Hughey said the board and staff had met Waimakariri and Selwyn district councils, as well as potential donors, businesses and MPs to seek support.

Significant donations or business partnerships could make a difference in closing the park's funding gap, he said.

"We still need just over $2m to meet the immediate funding gap while our recovery plan takes effect. Without that support, the board will have to make some very hard decisions about Orana's future," Hughey said.

The park said it had developed a financial sustainability and recovery plan aimed at increasing visitor income and securing more ongoing financial support.

Chief executive Rachel Haydon said work was continuing on the park's conservation programmes.

"Our kākāriki karaka breeding season is off to a promising start. We have five breeding pairs and all five females have either laid eggs or are showing interest in nesting, usually a sign that eggs are on the way," she said.

Haydon said the park's new meerkat, lemur, mini moo and giraffe encounters had been popular.

"There is plenty happening at Orana and good reason to visit. We have all the ingredients for success including a positive future vision but need financial support," she said.