Wellington’s wildlife

Some of New Zealand’s rarest wildlife are thriving in the world’s first urban ecosanctuary.

In 1990, Jim and Eve Lynch devised a crazy dream to build a sanctuary that would preserve and protect the natural elements of Wellington. The proposal was called Natural Wellington: A Plan to Preserve and Enhance the Natural Treasures of Wellington City. It became the inspiration for Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne, the world’s first fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary.

With an extraordinary 500-year vision to restore Wellington valley’s forest and freshwater ecosystems as closely as possible to their pre-human state, the 225 hectare conservation project has reintroduced many native wildlife species to the area. Set around a picturesque reservoir, some of New Zealand’s most rare wildlife thrive here.

A prior paradise, humans and introduced mammals destroyed a natural ecosystem of flora and fauna over the last 700 years. At least 51 bird species, three frog species, three lizard species, one freshwater fish species, one bat species, four plant species, and a number of invertebrate species have become extinct since. Jim and Eve set out to return Zealandia to a similar paradise.

The famous fence
An 8.6km fence prohibits predators from entering the sanctuary and threatening wildlife, yet it took extensive trial and error before an effective design was engineered. Fences were studied by 22 conservation managers, scientists and engineers – none proved suitable. A brand-new predator exclusion fence was needed. A prototype was crafted and tests ensued, trialling animal capabilities including jumping, climbing, and digging, while fence materials and visual effects were considered. The chosen design – robust and simple to install – now borders the sanctuary coupled with ongoing monitoring in the chance of a breach.

DID YOU KNOW?
Birds such as the tūī, kākā and kererū, once extremely rare in the region, are now common sights around central Wellington thanks to Zealandia efforts.