Dublin Zoo to reinvent itself with ambitious new plan

The plan was launched today.

Dublin Zoo has announced plans to reinvent itself as a zoo-based conservation organisation in its 10-year strategic plan. The beloved institution has been operating as a zoo for 190 years, and, as it approaches its 200th birthday in 2031, it has shared five key objectives. In a statement, the organisation said: "The Dublin Zoo 200 plan is built around five key objectives, which include saving wildlife in Ireland and globally, inspiring a passion for nature and cultivating the next generation of conservationists, as well as operating a sustainable visitor attraction." Dublin Zoo has said that their plan "aims to propel Ireland’s most popular family visitor attraction to a role as a zoo-based conservation organisation with global significance in time for the Zoo’s bicentennial celebrations in 2031." Under Dublin Zoo 200, the organisation hopes to boost zoo numbers to 1.5 million per year, and to upgrade the infrastructure of the zoo so that it is a "holistic visitor attraction for all seasons". In terms of conservation aims, Dublin Zoo hopes to influence policy both here in Ireland and abroad. They also plan on developing and implementing a "comprehensive sustainability strategy". The zoo also has educational ambitions, and hopes to engage 75,000 learners on an annual basis through their education programmes. The plan was launched at an event today, which was attended by Ireland's Minister of State, Patrick O'Donovan. Mr O'Donovan said: "I am delighted to launch “Dublin Zoo 200”, a 10-year plan that will see Dublin Zoo grow from one of Ireland’s oldest and most cherished family attractions into a significant, impactful thought leader for global conservation, whilst continuing to educate and provide precious memories for generations of visitors." Dublin Zoo's director Dr Christoph Schwitzer said: "This 10-year vision aims for an even closer collaboration with Minister O’Donovan and the Office of Public Works, and we look forward to working together to achieve the goals set out today."