From lions climbing across car bonnets to giraffe feeds, kiwi encounters and the arrival of New Zealand’s only gorillas, Orana Wildlife Park has given generations of Cantabrians memories unlike anywhere else.

New Zealand’s only open range zoo turns 50 today, celebrating half a century of wildlife, conservation and family adventures.

The park began with an ambitious idea from a group of Cantabrians who believed bringing people closer to wildlife could inspire curiosity, understanding and a desire to protect the natural world.

Archive photographs capture just how extraordinary those early days were. Lions arrived at Christchurch Airport in cages, the first cars entered through a rough gravel gateway, and visitors later drove among lions that wandered between vehicles and occasionally climbed on top of them.

Orana Wildlife Park Chief Executive Rachel Haydon said the park held a special place in the memories of generations of New Zealanders.

“From humble beginnings to cherished memories like feeding a giraffe, meeting a kiwi, or watching lions leap onto car bonnets during the park’s famous drive through days, Orana has created lasting connections between people and wildlife,” Haydon said.

“It is also a place where people can slow down and be fully present. In an increasingly hectic world, Orana offers the chance to spend time together, connect with nature, and experience stories that inspire understanding, emotional connection and action.”

The park has grown from its pioneering beginnings into a major conservation, education and visitor destination, now caring for more than 1000 animals from over 90 species.

It is home to New Zealand’s only gorillas and addax, both critically endangered, and is one of only two facilities breeding kākāriki karaka, the country’s rarest parakeet, for release into the wild in partnership with the Department of Conservation and mana whenua.

Orana has bred more than 80 scimitar-horned oryx, a species once declared extinct in the wild, as well as 13 giraffe, 25 spider monkeys and 20 cheetah.

More than 350 endangered native birds, including kiwi, whio and pāteke, have also been bred at the park and released into the wild.

The park’s sprawling grounds have become a sanctuary in their own right, supporting more than 50 native species. Canterbury boulder copper butterflies and korimako live within the park, while its waterways provide habitat for rare kōwaro, or Canterbury mudfish.

“Conservation is at the heart of everything we do,” Haydon said.

“But equally important is inspiring people to care. Every visit creates an opportunity for someone to develop a deeper connection with wildlife and a greater understanding of the challenges facing our natural world.

“Orana is more than a destination. It is a community, a sanctuary, a home and on its best days, more than a little bit of magic.”

The milestone arrives during one of the most important periods in the park’s history.

Earlier this month, Orana revealed it needed about $4.1 million during the current financial year to secure its immediate future, with its available cash reserves forecast to run out by March 2027.

The announcement prompted an outpouring of public support, with more than 600 donors contributing over $50,000 through Givealittle, direct deposits and the park’s website.

This week, Christchurch City Council approved up to $1.2 million to help keep the park operating while its longer term future is considered.

Councillors voted 13 to 3 in favour of the funding, which will be paid in two instalments subject to Orana remaining open, providing its half year financial results and making satisfactory progress on its recovery plan.

Haydon described the decision as an unforgettable birthday present.

“We are absolutely thrilled with council’s decision and understand the difficult choices councillors must make,” she said.

“To receive this support during our 50th birthday week is like getting the best birthday present. It’s incredibly meaningful and a huge boost for our team.”

The council funding gives Orana valuable breathing room, but it does not resolve the park’s longer term structural funding challenge. Future support will be considered through the council’s next Long Term Plan, giving Christchurch residents an opportunity to have their say.

Haydon said the generosity shown by the public since the recovery campaign began had reinforced how much the park meant to the community.

“We literally would not be here without the support of our community,” she said.

“The people of Canterbury and New Zealand have helped shape Orana into what it is today, and we’re deeply grateful for that support.”

A new exhibition featuring 50 moments from Orana’s history opens as part of the celebrations, alongside birthday activities, special trails and animal enrichment sessions.

While the park is taking time to celebrate its past, Haydon said its focus remained firmly on realising Orana’s potential and securing its future.

“The park is too important to lose,” she said.

“Just as community support helped build our foundations 50 years ago, support today will help secure our future.

“Help us celebrate 50 years and help ensure Orana thrives for the next 50.”

Donations can be made through Orana’s Givealittle recovery campaign.