Port Moresby Nature Park has received high praise on the international stage following General Manager, Michelle McGeorge’s recent invitation to speak at the Australasian Zoo and Aquarium Association’s Conference, held on Australia’s Gold Coast.
The annual event brings together zoos, both large and small from across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific to discuss zoo’s programs and contributions in recreation, education, research and conservation.
Ms McGeorge presented to the Association on the positive work being achieved at the recently formed Port Moresby Nature Park, the country’s first combined botanical and zoological garden.
Opened in June of this year at the site of the former National Botanical Gardens, Port Moresby Nature Park has already been successful in a number of breeding programs including tree kangaroos, goria pigeons, and dorcopsis wallabies.
Next year a number of research programs on both animal and plant species are planned to be rolled at the Nature Park, with expression of interests to assist obtained by a number of international Universities and Zoological Institutes.
Curator, Mr Brett Smith said, “It is important that the international community recognises that Port Moresby Nature Park and other PNG institutes have the capacity and people to manage research programs within PNG.”
“We strongly believe that research on PNG’s flora and fauna should be conducted in the country by Papua New Guinean reasearchers,” Mr Smith said.
“Drawing on the assistance and support of established zoos and universities within the region will ensure that our research is world class and our findings are shared throughout the international scientific community,” he said.
Ms McGeorge hoped that UPNG would support students participation and involvement in research opportunities managed by the Nature Park.
An initiative of Governor Powes Parkop, NCDC is a major partner and facilitator of Port Moresby Nature Park that provides recreational and educational opportunities to the community.
SOURCE: Port Moresby Nature Park
