Community
Invercargill City Council has unveiled the concept designs for the home of Henry and his tuatara friends in Queens Park. The council commissioned Studio 4 Architects, a Christchurch-based firm, to design the facility.
The proposed design aims to provide a secure and natural environment for the tuatara while offering an engaging experience for visitors.
Kate Gough, the Invercargill City Council Manager Parks Performance, praised the efforts of Studio 4 Architects, stating that they have put a lot of work into researching wild tuatara habitats.
Gough expressed her happiness that the community will soon be able to see Henry and his friends once again, emphasising their popularity and the anticipation surrounding their new home.
The concept design features nine separate areas within the facility to accommodate the 21 tuatara. It also includes a staff building that will house a bug station, hospital pen, and working space for Living Species Officers.
Visitors will have the opportunity to observe the tuatara from outside the enclosures and through a public viewing window during health checks.
The construction of the tuatara enclosure is part of Project 1225, a comprehensive initiative by the Invercargill City Council to rebuild the city’s museum.
The project aims to create a safe and secure environment for the tuatara while adhering to modern animal husbandry guidelines. The construction is scheduled to begin in August, with minimal disruption to park operations, and is expected to be completed by April 2024.