Orana Wildlife Park faces $2 million funding gap
A recent $1.2 million council grant leaves the park short of the cash needed to survive until March 2027, prompting calls for new donors.
By Grace Sullivan ·
Orana Wildlife Park in Christchurch requires at least $2 million in new funding by mid-2027 to prevent severe cuts to its operations. The park’s board warned that without this additional capital, they will be forced to make difficult choices about the facility’s future.
Christchurch City Council recently approved a $1.2 million emergency grant to assist the park. However, this amount does not cover the full extent of the financial shortfall. In September, park officials stated that their cash reserves are projected to be exhausted by March 2027. The $2 million figure represents the immediate gap that must be filled while the park implements its recovery strategy.
Emeritus Professor Dr Ken Hughey, the co-chair of the Orana Wildlife Trust, addressed the public concern that the council grant solved the problem. He emphasized that the park is still in a precarious position during its 50th year of operation. “There is a perception that because council has approved this grant, we are now okay. We are not,” Hughey stated.
The board has initiated discussions with the Waimakariri and Selwyn district councils. They are also engaging with potential private donors, local businesses, and members of parliament to secure further support. Hughey noted that while the city council’s commitment is important, other entities with financial capacity need to participate in closing the gap. He added that significant donations and business partnerships could determine whether the park stabilizes its finances.
Rachel Haydon, the park’s chief executive, reported that conservation programs are continuing despite the financial strain. New attractions, including meerkat, lemur, mini moo, and giraffe encounters, have been well received by visitors. The management team has also launched a regular giving initiative called Beast Friends Forever, along with a bequest program that has already received pledges. Haydon stated that while some grant funding has been secured and others are pending, these sources are not yet sufficient to cover immediate operational bills.
The park has developed a financial sustainability plan aimed at boosting visitor income and securing long-term support. Haydon noted that many funders prefer capital projects over operational funding, making the current cash crunch more difficult to manage. The board will continue to seek external support to meet the $2 million target before the March 2027 deadline.
