New lion exhibit opens at Perth Zoo

The first stage of Perth Zoo's new $3.3 million African Lion exhibit was unveiled today amid growing pressure on wild lion populations around the world.

The new African-themed exhibit was opened by Environment Minister Stephen Dawson this afternoon and provides enhanced opportunities to view Perth Zoo's lioness, Shinyanga, and learn about the threats facing these big cats.

The exhibit features a thatched hut with native African plantings, large viewing windows and moulds of lion paw prints so visitors can appreciate the sheer size of the cats. Information about research taking place to protect the species in the wild is also on display.

The second stage of the exhibit will commence construction shortly and be complete in mid-2018.

When fully constructed, the African Lion exhibit will include a breeding area with indoor dens and a separate outdoor area where a breeding lioness can have privacy with her cubs, and still feel close to the pride.

It will have the capacity to hold a pride of eight lions.

Comments attributed to Environment Minister Stephen Dawson:

"This new lion exhibit will provide visitors to the zoo with better opportunities to see and learn more about these majestic cats, and allow Perth Zoo to bring in a new pride of lions to play a bigger role in regional and global breeding programs into the future.

"The extensive upgrade will more than double the size of the Perth Zoo lion exhibit when fully completed.

"This is one of many new attractions being developed through the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, all of which have the potential to increase tourism and create jobs.

"This new exhibit also allows visitors to Perth Zoo to learn about lion conservation and discover how everyone can be a part of protecting these amazing animals."