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Remarks by President McAleese at the opening of the New Gorilla Rainforest at Dublin Zoo

Wednesday, 28th September, 2011

Ladies and Gentlemen

Tá an-áthas orm bheith i bhur láthair ar an ocáid seo. Tá me buíoch dibh as an cuireadh agus an fáilte forchaoin a chur sibh romham.

It’s good to be back here at the Zoo today as we celebrate yet another exciting initiative in this great establishment’s history – the opening of the new Gorilla Rainforest.  It seems such a short time since I was last here to open the African Savannah, another success story here at Dublin Zoo.  I would like to thank Leo Oosterweghel, Director of the Zoo on behalf of the Board of Dublin Zoo for inviting me, his nearest neighbour, to join you this morning and my thanks too, to all of you for that lovely welcome.

A lot of things have changed since I began to live next door fourteen years ago but one thing that has not changed, however, is the huge popularity of Dublin Zoo.  Every child in Ireland has a memory of this place and the world of exotic wildlife and far away places that it opened up right on our doorsteps. Now we can go on safari without ever taking a plane to Africa for Dublin Zoo has its very own African Plains. Now we can visit the Gorillas in their tropical rainforest where they are treated with a respect and care for their welfare that we wish
was how they were always treated wherever in the world they are.

Last year almost one million people came to visit the Zoo, the largest number ever despite the difficult financial straits many people found themselves in. That says a lot about what this Zoo means to people and what it has to offer. Despite living in an age of advanced technology and electronic toys, there is nothing to beat the magic that this Zoo keeps on casting generation after generation thanks to the many changes which have always kept it fresh and fascinating. That has taken great imagination and determination, hard work and sheer passion.  My congratulations to the team that keeps this Zoo so full of interest and fun. To Leo, the Board of the Zoo and to all the staff here congratulations on yet another great development.

I am delighted to now declare the new Gorilla Rainforest officially open and ready to be enjoyed by its first of a million visitors in the coming year.

Comghairdeas libh arís inniu ‘s go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir.