20 Aug 2011

Orana Wildlife Park reopens after snow

4:10 pm on 20 August 2011

Orana Wildlife Park in Christchurch is reopening on Saturday after the longest closure in its 35-year history.

The zoo was forced to shut on Monday because the snowfalls had damaged trees and surrounding fences.

The park's chief executive, Lynn Anderson, said repairs had been completed and the zoo was once again safe for visitors.

She said the animals had been kept warm and dry in the meantime.

The zoo houses about 400 animals of about 70 species.