Auckland Zoo

Auckland Zoo Auckland Zoo is a not-for-profit organisation focused on conserving wildlife and wild places.

At the heart of all Auckland Zoo's work and activities is its mission: "to bring people together to build a future for wildlife”. Auckland Zoo plays a vitally important role in breeding, research and recovery programmes for threatened wildlife. In fact, a portion of your ticket goes towards the Auckland Zoo Conservation Fund to support both local and international field-based projects.

14/11/2024

Many of you have been asking, how exactly do you transport a beautiful Asian elephant like Burma across the Tasman? It takes a lot of planning and a lot of heart.

In this video, we cover Burma’s move by land and air from Auckland to her forever home in Monarto Safari Park – so you can come along with us on the journey.

As our elephant team leader Andrew explains, “It’ll be great to be able to see her fulfilling her day with the companionship of other elephants around her, to give her the elephant herd she deserves and she’ll have that ability to settle down and enjoy her new life.”

Thank you again for all of your kind, thoughtful and heartfelt comments on our recent post. Alongside our friends at Monarto Safari Park, we’ll keep you updated on how Burma is progressing – including when she is introduced to the first two elephants that will make up her herd, with the support of our incredible keepers.

If you missed our latest update, you can find it here - www.aucklandzoo.co.nz/news/elephant-burma-arrives-at-new-home-in-australia.

We’re pleased to share that Asian elephant Burma has arrived at her new home in Australia!Throughout her travel to Zoo’s...
13/11/2024

We’re pleased to share that Asian elephant Burma has arrived at her new home in Australia!

Throughout her travel to Zoo’s South Australia’s Monarto Safari Park yesterday, Burma was accompanied by two of our senior elephant keepers and our veterinary manager.

“Burma had a good sleep last night, all her movements are positive and she’s eating well which is what we were hoping to see. She’s moving around her new environment, sussing it all out, smelling everything and generally making herself at home.

We’ll continue to monitor her as she settles in, but early indications are that she’s recovering well from a long day of travel,” explains our elephant team leader Andrew.

Burma is the first of five elephants due to arrive at the Park over the coming year. Andrew and the Zoo’s elephant keepers will stay on with Burma – providing her with that reassuring company and continuity of care she needs to fully settle into her new environment.

“Whilst we are all upset to have Burma leave us and we will miss her terribly, it is with the knowledge that she is going to an amazing new home in Australia where she will be cared for and loved as much as she was in New Zealand,” says our Director Kevin.

We’d like to thank our wonderful community for your support of Burma and our Zoo – we appreciate all of the heartfelt comments and encouragement you’ve given. Stay tuned for the video we’ll be sharing tomorrow showing her Trans-Tasman journey!

Read more - www.aucklandzoo.co.nz/news/elephant-burma-arrives-at-new-home-in-australia

What better way to care for orangutans this   than purchasing this limited-edition print!The most recent artwork in our ...
12/11/2024

What better way to care for orangutans this than purchasing this limited-edition print!

The most recent artwork in our series raising funds for conservation, this high-quality framed photographic print was photographed by primate keeper Grace Watson.

Get bidding here – www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketplace/art/photographs/flora-fauna/listing/5014352674?bof=zMerFzfD.

“I first got interested in photography as a teenager, teaching myself on my mum’s old film camera - which got me hooked! This photo was taken soon after orangutan Melur gave birth to her son Bahmi. During this time, she was often found in the nests cradling, cleaning and watching him and I like how this photo captures that period of adoration,” explains Grace.

This framed photo would make an awesome gift for an animal-lover you know – especially with Christmas coming up! Plus, every dollar raised from our Trade Me auction will help us to continue to support orangutan conservation through our Auckland Zoo Conservation Fund.

It's Orangutan Caring Week – so of course we’re celebrating this orangutan whānau!This annual week was set up to highlig...
10/11/2024

It's Orangutan Caring Week – so of course we’re celebrating this orangutan whānau!

This annual week was set up to highlight the threats and challenges orangutans face in the wild, and how each of us can make a difference through the conscious choices we make.

One impactful way to assist is by choosing products made with certified sustainable palm oil, which you can easily find using our zoos free PalmOil Scan app! Find it in the app store or download the app here - www.aucklandzoo.co.nz/get-involved/palm-oil.

This week at the Zoo, our volunteers will be out and about (look out for their cheerful faces at our volunteer table!) as well as having orangutan-themed Tamariki Time. Tomorrow we’ll be sharing our latest Conservation Fund art auction with a beautiful photograph of Melur and Bahmi taken by primate keeper Grace.

There are three species of orangutan—Sumatran, Bornean, and Tapanuli—all critically endangered and in need of our help. Simply by visiting the orangutans here, you’re enabling us to continue our long-term conservation partnerships with the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme (SOCP) and Sumatran Ranger Project. You can learn more about this mahi here - www.aucklandzoo.co.nz/animals/bornean-orangutan.

It’s   and we’re celebrating our newest troop of animal care and conservation interns! Each year, we welcome five intern...
09/11/2024

It’s and we’re celebrating our newest troop of animal care and conservation interns!

Each year, we welcome five interns into our animal care & conservation teams, as part of Auckland Zoo’s paid internship programme. This programme gives University students or recent graduates the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills directly from our curators, keepers, veterinarians and other skilled Zoo kaimahi.

For the next six months, Patrick, Leani, Lily, Emma, and Brodie will be immersed in the world of zookeeping—building essential skills for their future careers. From engaging lectures and hands-on animal husbandry to fieldwork adventures around Tāmaki Makaurau, this programme offers a blend of theory and real-world experience.

Each student will also embark on their own mini-research project, with the support of our Zoo experts. Graduates of our internship programme have gone on to thrive in zookeeping and conservation roles both here at Auckland Zoo and with other organisations in Aotearoa and abroad.

You can learn more about our internship programme here - www.aucklandzoo.co.nz/get-involved/zookeeper-internships

Congratulations to our   winner for October - Monica! Monica took this charming photo of one of the Galápagos tortoises ...
08/11/2024

Congratulations to our winner for October - Monica!

Monica took this charming photo of one of the Galápagos tortoises who just finished feeding on some pink rose enrichment while relaxing in the mud wallow.

Whether you're a professional or a passionate amateur, we'd love to see your photos. Simply tag your Zoo photos on Instagram with or upload them here - www.aucklandzoo.co.nz/zoosnaps.

Our monthly photography competition is kindly supported by Nikon New Zealand. Each of our 12 monthly winners will go in the draw to win an overall photography prize pack –as voted by you – which includes a Nikon mirrorless camera.

Update: We can now confirm that Burma is scheduled to depart Auckland Zoo on Tuesday 12 November.As this will be a compl...
06/11/2024

Update: We can now confirm that Burma is scheduled to depart Auckland Zoo on Tuesday 12 November.

As this will be a complex undertaking and we are aiming to minimise disruption to ensure things go smoothly for Burma, there may be limited access for visitors to Burma’s habitat and the surrounding area on the day. So, if you’re planning to visit her, you’ll need to do so before then.

We’ll be making a further announcement on Wednesday 13 November once Burma has arrived safely, so watch this space.

Do you know a bird-nerd or New Zealand nature lover? Purchase these coasters and you’ll also be supporting bird conserva...
06/11/2024

Do you know a bird-nerd or New Zealand nature lover? Purchase these coasters and you’ll also be supporting bird conservation!

The latest in our weekly auction series, these beautiful wooden coasters were painted with a range of native bird species – such as ruru, kōkako, tūī, kererū, kākā and parekareka - by bird keeper Casey.*

Get bidding here – www.trademe.co.nz/a/search?member_listing=2854161&bof=pdtv64bV

“As a kid I either wanted to be an artist or care for animals. I followed my dream to be a zookeeper and I’m lucky to be close to beautiful birds every day in my role - so I naturally have them as inspiration for my art. I am thrilled to be able to contribute to the Conservation Fund as it ties in my love for painting birds and contributing directly to their conservation,” explains Casey.

These beautiful coasters would make an awesome gift for an animal-lover you know – especially with Christmas coming up! Plus, every dollar raised from this Trade Me auction will help us to continue to support native species conservation through our Auckland Zoo Conservation Fund.

*We have three separate auctions running, each for a set of six coasters. Please check the photos for each auction as bird species and coaster colours vary.

05/11/2024

Just like us, the Galápagos tortoises are loving the sunshine!

These gentle giants, from the warm Galápagos Islands, need a cosy climate all year—so when it’s chilly, they stay inside their 22-28°C temperature-controlled habitat. In this warmer weather, Galápagos tortoises will regulate their body temperature in their outside habitat by basking in the sunlight and staying cool by wallowing in the mud pool.

Watch this from Sonja as they roam and soak up the rays. You can head to our Galápagos tortoise keeper talk at 12.15pm every day to hear more about this incredible species from our ectotherm keepers.

Stripes, spots, feathers, scales and scutes! Join our conservation learning facilitator Tory and friends for this month’...
04/11/2024

Stripes, spots, feathers, scales and scutes! Join our conservation learning facilitator Tory and friends for this month’s Wild Wednesday where we will be guessing ‘Whose Covering?’

Different coverings can help animals to camouflage, attract other individuals, or to regulate their body temperature. We explore how this works for some of the species at Auckland Zoo in our latest free webinar.

Sign up with the zoom link below (you don’t need a zoom account to join). If you sign up we will also send you a recording of the webinar if you are unable to make it.

When: Wednesday 6th November at 2pm
How to sign up: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4zNwA-AdTceoBf5sS09VLA #/registration

You can watch previous recordings or sign up for future webinars here: https://www.aucklandzoo.co.nz/wild-wednesday-webinar.

01/11/2024

Welcoming these two Tasmanian devils to Auckland!

Have you been in to spot our latest arrivals? In this video, senior carnivore keeper Nick introduces Tasmanian devil sisters Wiri and Wayana, who are with us as part of the Tasmanian Devil Ambassador Program.

Having these incredible devils at Auckland Zoo means our visitors can connect with this amazing species in their greater backyard, while also learning more about the threats that this critically endangered species faces in the wild. As well as what our friends at the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program are doing to ensure the species is around for generations to come.

This brings our total number of Aussie devils up three – including male devil Nita. Nita lives in an adjacent habitat to these females, allowing them to see, smell, and communicate with each other.

Our heartfelt thanks to the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre and the palawa children for gifting us their palawa kani names, Wiri and Wayana.

Happy Halloween! This year, Auckland Zoo’s ungulate species enjoyed special Jack o’ lantern enrichment! These festive pu...
31/10/2024

Happy Halloween! This year, Auckland Zoo’s ungulate species enjoyed special Jack o’ lantern enrichment!

These festive pumpkins were filled with a mix of long grass and lucerne hay and placed throughout the habitat for the zebras, nyalas, waterbuck, and ostriches to discover.

Multi-team keeper Lily worked her magic carving the pumpkin face and was thrilled with the result. “It took many hours to complete the face on the pumpkin, but it turned out great and was an enriching experience for the animals. They were all curious about the pumpkin and loved munching on the grass,” she shared.

We hope you enjoy celebrating with your whānau!

- ungulates keeper Jess

We’re calling on everyone to forego letting off fireworks this Guy Fawkes and enjoy nature’s natural ‘fireworks’ – our s...
30/10/2024

We’re calling on everyone to forego letting off fireworks this Guy Fawkes and enjoy nature’s natural ‘fireworks’ – our sparkling night sky!

We’re sure you love animals as much as we do, and pets, birds around the motu, and other animals including those in places like zoos find the unpredictable nature of fireworks terrifying.

“In the case of birds, fireworks can result in them abandoning their nests or worse, fatally injuring themselves. Here at the Zoo, we currently have precious taonga such as kiwi, pāteke, tīeke, kororā, kea and kākā breeding,” says our bird curator Dr Juan.

“We’re especially asking those in our local communities living near the Zoo to not let off any fireworks. While our teams proactively plan and put measures in place to protect the kararehe in our care over this period, it’s near impossible to fully protect them from fireworks exploding at unpredictable times day and night. We’re also concerned for other wildlife and people’s pets in the area.”

Like other organisations in New Zealand, including our friends and colleagues at Auckland Council and Wellington Zoo Te Nukuao, Auckland Zoo has called on the Government to ban the public sale of fireworks for private use. A ban would not only protect all animals throughout Aotearoa, it would also keep people safe, protect our environment and eliminate the risk of fires.

You can support this Animates Vetcare NZ petition that seeks to ban the public sale of fireworks for private use, here - https://pawprintpetition.co.nz/desktop-lockout

Place this on your wall and you’ll be supporting the conservation of endemic species!The first in our weekly auction ser...
30/10/2024

Place this on your wall and you’ll be supporting the conservation of endemic species!

The first in our weekly auction series – this limited-edition high-quality framed photographic print was photographed by ectotherm keeper Sonja.

Get bidding here - www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketplace/art/photographs/flora-fauna/listing/4992098373.

“It is not uncommon for zookeepers to find an outlet to capture the beauty of the natural world, and the wildlife found within. In our careers, we are fortunate enough to be surrounded by the most amazing creatures, and when we’re in the field, often equally as stunning habitats. Photography has always been a hobby of mine,” explains Sonja.

The Archey's frog is one of only three remaining endemic frog species, all of which are at risk, endangered or with declining populations. This photo was taken at Auckland Zoo, where we have been running a breeding research programme for Archey’s frogs for several years and are the only organisation to house this species.

Every dollar raised from this Trade Me auction will help us to continue to support native species conservation through our Auckland Zoo Conservation Fund.

29/10/2024

Watch as this cockatoo duo participate in their own healthcare training!

Bird keeper Rebecca explains the science of care behind why we train red-tailed black cockatoos Dani and Kylie each day.

Being able to train these behaviours means our keepers can carry out low-stress health checks, allowing for a thorough and calm assessment of each bird’s well-being. By incorporating cooperative behaviours like wing stretches and beak presentations, we’re able to minimise stress during these routine checks.

This training approach isn't only for their physical health—it’s also mentally enriching for these intelligent birds. Engaging them in meaningful interactions stimulates their cognitive abilities and creates trust between these Aussie birds and our keepers.

You can visit them in their mixed species habitat at our Australia Bush Track!

What’s on the menu for these ring-tailed lemurs? Pinecones stuffed with corn, wild parsley, and their favourite treats—k...
27/10/2024

What’s on the menu for these ring-tailed lemurs? Pinecones stuffed with corn, wild parsley, and their favourite treats—kumara and pumpkin!

"Behavioural enrichment – like these food-filled pinecones – is a key part of animal care at the Zoo. It encourages natural behaviours like foraging and investigating," explains primate keeper Laura. Scattered around their habitat, these pinecones challenge the all-female troop of lemurs to use their grasping fingers and tongue to reach difficult areas of the pinecone.

Did you know that ring-tailed lemurs are native to the forests of Madagascar? These primates have opposable thumbs and big toes, giving them a great grip for climbing and holding onto branches, and helping them when they leap from tree to tree.

Keep an eye out for them today! Here’s a hint: they love soaking up the sun, so you’ll likely find them perched high in the trees.

Tomorrow marks the start of our summer hours* - which means you can enjoy the Zoo for longer!The change in weather also ...
25/10/2024

Tomorrow marks the start of our summer hours* - which means you can enjoy the Zoo for longer!

The change in weather also means you’re likely to see a lot of animals warming themselves in the sun – from sun-savouring lemurs to lace monitors to lions!

We’ve added a few more talks to our keeper talk schedule, as well as impromptu talks throughout the day. Find a list of our scheduled talks here – www.aucklandzoo.co.nz/visit/plan-your-day and on our Zoo Map.

We’re open all long weekend (Saturday, Sunday and Monday) from 9.30am – 5.30pm, with last entry at 4.30pm.

*We have slightly different opening hours for summer and winter. In winter we close one hour earlier.

Address

99 Motions Road
Auckland
1022

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Friday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Saturday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Sunday 9:30am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+6493603805

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