Trust's fundraising boosts zoo facilities

From City Scene, published on 11 November, 2007

Zoo developments - The recently opened $4.6 million New Zealand Centre for Conservation Medicine, was the first project financed entirely from funds raised by the trust.

Auckland Zoo Charitable Trust supports the zoo by promoting and co-ordinating fundraising initiatives that contribute to improving this great facility.

The trust raises money through donations and bequests, to fund major projects, and maintain and further develop Auckland Zoo. The recently opened $4.6 million New Zealand Centre for Conservation Medicine, was the first project financed entirely from funds raised by the trust.

Trust chairperson Penny Whiting says,"The trustees and I are delighted that, thanks to the support we received from so many organisations and individuals - including our major sponsor, the ASB Community Trust - the dream for this world-class centre has been realised." The centre is providing New Zealand with an important resource that will make a substantial contribution to wildlife conservation here and internationally.

The trust's next major project is a fundraising campaign for the zoo's $16.2 million Te Wao Nui development, due to open to the public in early 2010.

Funding our future: Penny Whiting, chairperson of the Auckland Zoo Charitable Trust, and Dr Richard Jakob-Hoff, senior veterinarian, inside the NZ Centre for Conservation Medicine.