Remedial work at Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary is taking longer than expected and the latest indications are the park is likely to reopen next summer.
If it opens when predicted the complex formerly known as Zion Wildlife Gardens will have been closed for more than a year since its new owners, Bolton Equities of Auckland, bought the park in early 2014.
The Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) first ordered the park closed to the public between July 1 and July 31, 2014, while the animal enclosures were upgraded to meet new standards.
MPI then extended the closure until August 31 but the upgrading has still not been completed.
Martin Weekes, a director of Bolton Equities, said yesterday most of the upgrades had been finished. There were six new enclosures yet to be completed, however.