According to a report in news.com.au, a 700-hectare site in Swan Valley near Perth has been chosen as the location for a new African-themed open range zoo.

WA Premier Colin Barnett said, “When I came to this site two years ago, I thought ‘we don’t have to look any further’, it is truly a unique location.

“It is remarkable, undulating land, spectacular views down the valley, rock outcrops and the Avon Valley river flowing alongside.

“I think increasingly we like to observe and see animals in their natural environments, it’s a worldwide trend, that becomes increasingly difficult with large animals in zoos located in central city areas,” he told reporters.

The zoo would cost $100 million to develop, take an estimated 10 years to build and would be a major tourist attraction and a home for conservation-focused breeding programs.