Plans to double the size of Dublin Zoo by 2000 to accommodate the large animals in a "savannah" area have been put on display so that the public can give its views.
The director of the zoo, Mr Peter Wilson, yesterday described the introduction of the plan as "the most significant day in the history of the zoo since it was founded in 1830".
The plan envisages the creation of a 13-hectare "African plains" area within the Phoenix Park. The land currently forms part of Aras an Uachtarain and was chosen by the Government in consultation with the President's office.
The decision to allocate the land was first outlined as part of an overall plan for the zoo in 1994 and has been backed by a £15 million investment by the Government.
Mr Wilson said that the "African plains" area, which was not previously accessible to the general public, had always been seen as the single most important element of the plan, for the extra land allowed the zoo to create a spacious new area for its larger species such as the giraffes, rhino and hippo.
The land consists of a large lake, pastureland and mature woodland. The site would be preserved as far as possible and all enclosures, paddocks and compounds would be integrated into the existing landscape. The large lake and the flatland would facilitate the provision of an ideal environment for large animals.
The plan and exhibition will be on show both in the Roberts House of Dublin Zoo and in the Office of Public Works in St Stephen's Green, Dublin, during office hours for the next six weeks.
Mr Wilson said that it was hoped that work would start on the project in 1999 and they were determined that the first visitors would be admitted in the spring or early summer of 2000.
"The zoo will be absolutely unique in Europe and we will be the envy of Europe. The zoo will bring in more animals for the area. A herd of zebras will be back in Dublin and more giraffes and rhinos. They will be in large groups, which will enable them to have a more normal social interaction," he said.
The chimps will also be moved to the area as the new lake will enable a new larger island to be provided for them.
The plan also allows for the introduction of a number of smaller, albeit complementary species, some of which are endangered. These will include such birds and animals as the ground hornbill, banded mongoose and the forest antelope - the bongo.
The first phases of the overall plan launched in 1994 - "The World of Primates", "The Fringes of the Arctic', "The World of Cats" and "City Farm and Pets Corner" - have now been completed.
By moving the large animals to the new area, additional space will be created for other animals, particularly the elephants, whose enclosure will be expanded as a result.