Port Moresby Nature Park has reopened its gates following a nine-day closure, much to the relief of the NCD community, school groups and tour companies.
This follows the orders of the National Court on the morning of November 19th.
On the Park’s reopening, Port Moresby Nature Park’s General Manager, Michelle McGeorge, said: “On behalf of staff and management, I want to thank the community for their outpouring of support towards the Nature Park.
“It has been a difficult time for all our staff and we are so happy to be back serving the community, teaching school children, training university students, conducting research, saving wildlife and providing venue hire and fun activities for friends and family to come together.”
McGeorge also thanked the NCDC for their years and years of dedication and funding commitment to managing and overseeing the Nature Park and before that, the National Capital Botanical Gardens.
Normal hours of operations resume effective immediately: Mondays – Fridays 0800-1630; Saturdays 0800 – 1730; Sundays 0800 – 1630.
The Nature Park announced that its immediate priority was to recommence their school’s excursions program “Beasts with Bites” which had been suspended with the closure and had meant that over 1,444 school students had missed out on the program last week.
“Our focus is to ensure that any school classes that were prevented from coming to the Park last week will have the opportunity to participate in the ‘Beasts with Bite’ schools program and we will extend the program to ensure no schools or students miss out,” McGeorge stated.
“What child wouldn’t want to come and learn about how important snakes, insects, bats and spiders are?” She added with a laugh.
McGeorge encouraged all members of the public to support the park by visiting in the coming weeks and noted that a number of the Park’s sociable animals such as parrots and ‘Olga’ the brolga had been missing the public and wondering where they all were.
“We have just started our Christmas party season so wish to thank all the businesses and families that have booked to host their functions at the Park and encourage those still thinking about it to do so in support of the Park.”
Port Moresby Nature Park remains committed to its goal of wildlife conservation, education and research and in delivering safe public recreational spaces and activities that improves the lives of its citizens.
The Nature Park management again thanked the community, sponsors and NCDC for their support and stressed that they could not wait to continue delivering its mission for the benefit of all.
Port Moresby Nature Park is the only internationally wildlife-welfare accredited facility in the South Pacific Islands, obtained by the Zoo and Aquarium Association of Australasia, firmly cementing them as one of the world’s top wildlife facilities, with proven commitment to animal welfare, conservation, education and research.
Further information can be found on Port Moresby Nature Park’s Facebook page or by contacting 326 0248/326 0258.
(Education Team Leader Shirley Mogi with students during a school excursion)