Fota Wildlife Park has begun construction on a new animal care and conservation centre, with the backing of South and East Cork Area Development (SECAD). Renowned for its wide-open outdoor enclosures, the Co. Cork park’s new €600,000 animal care and conservation centre will feature a series of indoor compounds controlled by a hi-tech temperature and climate-control system, to recreate tropical forests and steaming jungles. “Fota Wildlife Park made an application to South and East Cork Area Development (SECAD) for funding through the Rural Development Programme to assist with the construction of a new animal care and conservation centre this year,” explained Ryan Howard, CEO, SECAD.“As a key tourism attraction in this region,
and as part of the Ring of Cork initiative, we are delighted to support this special project and to support employment in the tourism and hospitality sector here.” The new development will see the creation of an additional ten jobs at Fota Wildlife Park across a number of areas, from animal health and veterinary to animal care and support staff. This is one of many investments in the region by SECAD to stimulate job creation and ensure the viability and attractiveness of the South and East Cork area for visitors and locals alike. Head of marketing Stephen Ryan said that it will also boost tourism-related businesses in the region.“The new facility will extend our visitor season into the winter months and assist hotels and others with marketing the Cork destination for winter breaks.”
