The McGowan Government does not intend to proceed with former premier Colin Barnett’s plan for an open-range zoo in Lower Chittering.

Environment Minister Stephen Dawson this week confirmed the development of the open-range concept was not part of the Labor Government’s election commitments.

Mr Barnett’s plan was to use 700ha of land vested with the Department of Parks and Wildlife in the embankments of the Avon Valley to display elephants, bears, lions, pygmy hippopotamuses, baboons, giraffes and Australian animals.

Camera Icon The Barnett Government had announced the plan before the State election.

It was going to cost up to $200 million and take five to 10 years to get off the ground.

It was designed to allow Perth Zoo to expand its breeding programs because a city zoo cannot have big breeding herds.

Mr Barnett described the idea as a major boost to local tourism.

Play Video Animals at Perth Zoo were treated to an Easter egg hunt today The West Australian Video Animals at Perth Zoo were treated to an Easter egg hunt today

It was announced at the end of last year and, at the time, the Labor Opposition said it was “a nice idea” but amounted to “desperate politics” in the shadow of the State election.

Mr Dawson said Perth Zoo would continue to play an important role in regional and international breeding programs.

“They will still display a range of animals by caring for bachelor groups or animals not currently needed by other zoos for breeding,” he said.

Camera Icon The current Perth Zoo site was to remain open during the plan.

“Perth Zoo is constantly making improvements and upgrades, this includes an expansion for the African Savannah which will enable breeding of lions and the arrival of new female giraffes for breeding.

“All Perth Zoo animals receive best practice husbandry and health care to ensure their positive welfare.”

The 119-year-old Perth Zoo attracted a record breaking 695,091 visitors in 2015-16.

It is home to more than 1530 animals representing 163 different species.