Wellington Zoo's 'Nest' hospital opens

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Wellington Zoo today opened a state-of-the-art animal hospital that will allow visitors to watch animals being treated.

The $6 million hospital, dubbed "The Nest", is part of a 10-year redevelopment of the 103-year-old zoo.

Each of its main treatment rooms will have viewing windows so visitors can watch the veterinary staff work and listen to step-by-step commentaries of the procedures.

Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast officially opened the hospital this morning.

The first official operation was completed on Tahi, a one-legged kiwi, who had a microchip fitted to him.

Guests watched the procedure through large windows.

Francois Lampen, a vet who joined Wellington Zoo just one week ago, said he was excited by the new facility.

He said it was important for the public to see the nuts and bolts of what goes on inside the hospital.

Zoo chief executive Karen Fifield said it was a great opportunity to get the public involved.

"At present the great work done by our veterinary team takes place behind the scenes, so this new hospital is a fantastic opportunity to turn the zoo 'inside out' and engage our visitors with the work we do to care for our animals."

The Nest will include seven enclosures and a salt water pool, and will also soon begin treating injured native animals brought in by the public.

- The Dominion Post and Stuff.co.nz

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