Dublin Zoo has launched an ambitious 10-year plan called ‘Dublin Zoo 200’, which involves transforming the visitor attraction into a zoo-based conservation organisation.
‘Dublin Zoo 200’ includes five main objectives, from saving wildlife in Ireland and across the globe to operating a sustainable visitor attraction.
Dublin Zoo’s strategic plan follows similar moves from myriad global zoos, such as ZSL, Los Angeles Zoo, Perth Zoo and Kansas City Zoo.
Chester Zoo also unveiled an ambitious conservation masterplan earlier this year that aims to tackle the world’s climate and conservation emergencies by 2030.
‘Dublin Zoo 200′ goals
- Increase visitor numbers to 1.5 million per year by 2031
- Upgrade infrastructure to offer a ‘holistic visitor attraction’
- Influence conservation policy in Ireland and abroad
- Engage 75,000 students annually via education programmes
- Develop and implement a sustainability strategy
The 10-year plan was unveiled by Dublin Zoo director Dr Christoph Schwitzer, as well as Minister of State Patrick O’Donovan.
O’Donovan said the strategic plan “will see Dublin Zoo grow from one of Ireland’s oldest and most cherished family attractions into a significant, impactful thought leader for global conservation”.
“The Office of Public Works (OPW) and Dublin Zoo have a long history and tradition of working together as good neighbours in the Phoenix Park,” he added.
“As Minister for the Office of Public Works, it is my desire and hope that this relationship will be strengthened and built upon during this very exciting time ahead for Dublin Zoo.”
Dublin Zoo will implement the plan over the next 10 years, leading up to its bicentennial in 2031. While doing so, the zoo will contribute to Ireland’s commitments under the UN 2030 Agenda for sustainable development.
Zoo-based conservation organisation
“We want to make the leap from a zoo that Dubliners can be proud of, to a national cultural attraction that defines the future of zoos globally,” Schwitzer said.
“Our ambition is for Dublin Zoo to transform into a leading hub for wildlife conservation of international significance,” he added.
“This includes an animal collection of high conservation relevance, linked to conservation action in the wild, both in Ireland and worldwide.”
Dublin Zoo hopes to “become a focal point for species conservation status assessment and planning, influencing policy development globally to create a world where people live in harmony with nature”, Schwitzer said.
Images: Dublin Zoo
