End of an Era for Southern Encounter Aquarium & Kiwi House
Staff members of Orana Wildlife Trust wish to express their heartfelt empathy to the people of Christchurch, especially those who have lost loved-ones and been displaced following the Christchurch earthquake.
Orana Wildlife Trust, owners of Southern Encounter Aquarium & Kiwi House (Cathedral Square, Christchurch), are saddened to report that the inner city attraction has closed indefinitely following the 6.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Christchurch on 22 February 2011. Thankfully though all staff and visitors were safely evacuated after the event but the building is deemed unsafe.
This latest earthquake has had a monumental impact upon our city and its people. Whilst it is very upsetting that Southern Encounter has not survived the event, we remain so grateful for the good fortune that all staff and visitors were safely evacuated.
Southern Encounter played a key role in helping attract people to the city centre. The facility gave people a glimpse at the beautiful creatures found in our waterways and also enabled visitors to see some of New Zealand's most unique native animals. The attraction was also a valuable educational facility and hosted thousands of school children on curriculum linked education programmes.
We take this opportunity to thank the public for their support of Southern Encounter over the years.
