This is your sign to book a Close Encounter with the Black and White Ruffed Lemurs at Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo!
Each time you book a Close Encounter, a portion of the proceeds goes towards our conservation partners who are saving endangered species on the ground in their native countries. 🌱🌎
Every human and animal in our Zoo whānau would like to say a BIG thank you to everyone who supports us through booking Close Encounters. We couldn't do what we do without you. 💚
Book now: https://wellingtonzoo.com/visit/plan-your-day/things-to-do/close-encounters/
Aranyo with little Aelina.
Video credit: Keeper Courtney
All the Spider Monkeys being let out onto the island. Video credit: Keeper Courtney
Video credit: Keeper Emma
Mayla and Minerva reporting for your daily dose of CUTE! 😍
Planning a visit to the Zoo this weekend? Why not find a planet-friendly way to make the trip!
Buses, scooters, bikes, or your own two feet, are all amazing ways to get around the city while doing the planet a favour at the same time. 🏃♀️🚌🛴
Te Kōhanga The Nest
DON'T FORGET!
This weekend we're celebrating 15 years of Te Kōhanga The Nest with a range of awesome activities hosted by our Zoo whānau.
BONUS! Go in the draw to win a private 45 minute tour of Te Kōhanga The Nest for 6 people (including free entry)! Sign up for the draw at Te Kōhanga this weekend.
Show our Vet team some love by coming down to the Zoo this weekend and helping us celebrate their work saving wildlife and wild places. We're open 9:30am - 5pm!
Spotlight on Spider Monkeys
Time for a spotlight on Spider Monkeys! 🙉
We care for five Spider Monkeys at Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo, including baby Aelina who's currently being introduced to the group.
These endangered primates are native to the tropical forests of Central and South America, and face threats including habitat loss, hunting, and the illegal pet trade.
On a lighter note, they also boast A LOT of funky facts:
💃Spider Monkeys live in a matriarchal society, meaning the ladies are in charge!
🐒Troops of Spider Monkeys can reach up to 30 members - a very social species
💪They use their tails like a fifth limb to swing through trees, and it's strong enough to support their body weight too!
🌳Their name comes from how they look when they're hanging from trees by their tails - see if you can spot them next time you're at the Zoo!
📸Keeper Harmony
Aaand she’s off! 🐧
Wellington’s favourite Adélie Penguin was released on the Cook Strait yesterday afternoon with the help of the New Zealand Police and the Department of Conservation .
Keeper Jess went along to help with the release, and as soon as she opened the crate, the Adélie dove straight into the sea! Like the seabird she is, this Penguin took off in the right direction straight away, ready to make a dent in her journey back home to Antarctica. 😄
Thank you to everyone who has spent several long days and nights working towards this release. Special shout out to Department of Conservation and the New Zealand Police and our amazing team at Te Kōhanga The Nest for going above and beyond to care for this beautiful bird.
Ngā mihi nui. 💙
📸 New Zealand Police
Training Time!
Training-time!
In this clip of Keeper Molly, Dingo Blue is training for a protected contact flea treatment. 🐕
Training involves placing a chute in the yard of the Dingo habitat to get them to lie closer to the fence. When Dingoes Blue and Kiah are in this position, Keepers can apply the treatment between their shoulder blades in a safe and protected manner. 👏
Keepers are also able to utilise the training chute for injection training, which involves using a blunt needle is to practice different kinds of injections for vaccines or treatments. 💉
Pretty amazing, don’t you think?
Training health-related behaviors like this one are a crucial part of ensuring that the animals we care for live happy and healthy lives. Alongside health, our Animal Care team also focuses on nutrition, environment, behavior, and mental state to monitor the overall welfare of the 500+ animals who live at Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo. 💛
