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Summary and introductory information
ZEALANDIA: The Karori Sanctuary Experience. Wellington. New Zealand
ZEALANDIA: The Karori Sanctuary Experience is an ecological restoration project and major visitor attraction just 2km from the centre of New Zealand's capital, Wellington. It is managed by Karori Sanctuary Trust, a not-for-profit community-led organisation with an extraordinary 500-year vision to:
- Develop a conservation site of international significance that, through the provision of public access, education and advocacy, inspires people to make a commitment to the conservation of New Zealand’s natural heritage.
- Restore 225ha of lowland forest and wetland ecosystems as closely as possible to the way they were before humans arrived in New Zealand.
- Create a living ark for the animals and plants which make New Zealand unique.
The Trust marked a turning point in the conservation and recovery of native wildlife on mainland New Zealand when it formed in 1995. The radical idea to create a mainland island sanctuary surrounded by a pest-proof fence turned out to be a major breakthrough in reversing a decline on the mainland that had lasted for at least 700 years. It evolved out of the success of creating pest-free offshore island sanctuaries for endangered species, to meet the need for long-term security for species and ecosystems on the mainland.
ZEALANDIA comprises 225 hectares (approximately one square mile) of regenerating lowland forest and wetlands just 2km (1 mile) from downtown Wellington. It is the most accessible of New Zealand’s celebrated mainland conservation islands and is a safe haven for some of our most iconic and endangered native animals.
The sanctuary is protected by a unique 8.6 km predator-proof fence, specially designed to exclude non-native mammals including mice, cats, rats, possums and even hedgehogs. A total of 14 species of pest mammal were successfully eradicated in the biggest operation of its kind (at that time) ever undertaken.
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