Auckland Zoo to ditch its Japanese Garden

File photo of the Japanese Garden at the Auckland Zoo. Photo / Russell Smith

There's disappointment over plans by Auckland Zoo to remove its Japanese Garden - a feature gifted by sister city Fukuoka nearly 25 years ago.

The zoo has confirmed parts of the garden will be put into storage while a decision on its future location is made.

Its current location within the zoo will be used to expand its wildlife conservation programme.

Stephanie Hay, who was head gardener at Auckland Zoo when the Japanese Garden opened in 1989, says it's not just any old garden.

"They talk about moving the garden, when really what they're talking about is taking these key elements, storing them somewhere, and building another garden.

"And I feel that that garden's taken 25 years to get where it is."

Ms Hay says the garden should stay put.

"When I've spoken briefly to some of the volunteers they tell me that people love the garden.

"And the people that I've spoken to when I've been in there have sort of echoed that same thing, and they've all actually sounded quite shocked."

Auckland Council has been talking with the Japanese city about what should happen to the garden.