The state government has unveiled its plans for the future of Perth Zoo, with works starting on a $16.5 million construction program - starting with the revamp of the entrance and a new cafe.

These developments are the first to be delivered under the Perth Zoo Master Plan 2040, part of a $51 million series of projects over the next
decade.

The new visitor café and function centre are planned to be completed by mid-2023.

Planning is also progressing for a series of enhanced animal precincts including an
expansion of the African Savannah, a new orangutan jungle, a network of overhead primate tunnels near the main lawn, and a state-of-the-art Conservation Science and Treehouse precinct.