Tag:zoo
Exploring zoos has been a passion of mine, and I always make a point to visit a zoo when I visit a new Australian city. While Taronga Zoo was excellent, Adelaide Zoo disappointed me. Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Zoo, and Healesville Sanctuary were enjoyable and provided memorable experiences. However, the National Zoo and Aquarium at Canberra (NZA) blew me away with its exceptional enclosures. I can safely say that it is now my all-time favourite zoo.
The Aquarium
The National Aquarium, now known as the National Zoo and Aquarium, was established in 1990. At that time, around 30 different species were housed in the aquarium along with a large restaurant and a function area. The main attraction of the aquarium was a huge 1.5 million litre aquarium that featured an underwater viewing tunnel. This aquarium, produced by a local Canberra company was touted as the first of its kind in the world.
The aquarium occupied approximately 7 hectares of land and had multiple outdoor ponds and streams for trout farming. However, the aquarium faced financial difficulties, and some of its major exhibits were problematic. Within three years of its opening, the aquarium was sold to a new operator.
New Owners
In 1998, the facility was again up for sale and purchased by the Tindale family. Richard Tindale was a successful local businessman who had a passion for animals. He had travelled to Africa on multiple occasions and was interested in establishing a conservation breeding centre for big cats. Coincidentally, the wildlife park was put up for sale around the same time. His interest in animals at the time, along with several of his children. This prompted Richard to buy the facility in mid-1998. Initially, the Tindale family struggled to be accepted into the zoo arena, having had minimal background with zoo animals.
Renovations
Over the course of the following two years, they diligently worked on repairing and replacing numerous parts of the existing facility and enclosures. Unfortunately these had been poorly maintained for several years. During this time, they discovered that the primary attraction of the facility, the 1 million litre walk-through aquarium, had to be permanently closed down due to the presence of concrete cancer in the walls of the aquarium.
In 1999, the first significant enclosure was completed. This enclosure housed 3 Brown Bears that had to be re-homed after living for years in a private collection. In 2000, construction began on several big cat enclosures to house some retired circus lions, leopards, tigers and a pair of tigons (a cross between a lion and a tiger). By 2001, the wildlife park was in full swing, at one stage having 14 new exhibits under construction. These would, when completed, house more big cats, native animals, a variety of primate species. New enclosures were also underway for large ungulates such as zebra, antelope and giraffe. The wildlife park changed its name to the “National Zoo & Aquarium” upon completion.
Bushfires Threaten
Between 2001 and 2003, the zoo battled Canberra’s bushfires on two separate occasions. The once-established pine forest surrounding the zoo was also turned to cinders. It was suggested that the zoo should potentially expand into adjoining land. Over the next five years, the zoo continued to develop, negotiate, and design a potential future expansion.
This phase of the facility lasted around five years. During this period, the new operator added several outdoor exhibits, mainly of native wildlife. The large aquarium was converted from saltwater to freshwater to reduce costs. The overall theme of the facility changed in an attempt to meet the demands of a large Asian tourist market. It offered an “Australian” experience incorporating the wildlife park aspects and other activities such as fly fishing in the trout ponds, sheep shearing and boomerang throwing demonstrations.
Immersive Habitats
The zoo is known for its exceptional effort to provide a natural habitat for animals that closely resembles their native environment. As you explore the zoo, you’ll come across a wide variety of ecosystems, ranging from lush rainforests to arid deserts. The leopard enclosure boasts cascading waterfalls and lush greenery, while the tiger enclosure has viewpoints from multiple sides, a large lake, and an overhead walkway. The enclosures are designed with minimal wire and instead have glass, moats, or overhead paths, giving visitors a sense of openness. These enclosures are created to ensure the animals’ well-being and provide visitors with a chance to observe them up close in a natural setting.
The African lions, which include white lions, can be seen basking in the sun, separated from visitors by a low fence and deep ravine. Across another low fence, cheetahs can be seen snoozing on green lawns. Visitors can also watch squirrel monkeys play on their island next to the café. One of the zoo’s main attractions is its impressive collection of Australian wildlife, featuring kangaroos, koalas, and wombats. These iconic animals provide a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about Australia’s indigenous fauna.
Educational Opportunities:
NZA serves not only as an entertainment destination but also as a center for education and conservation efforts. The zoo provides informative presentations and guided tours that enable visitors to gain knowledge about the animals, their natural habitats, and the significance of wildlife conservation.
Conservation Initiatives:
The zoo is dedicated to conservation efforts within and in the wild. They participate in various breeding programs to help endangered species recover and contribute to global conservation initiatives. By visiting the zoo, you not only support these vital conservation projects but also gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by wildlife today.
Visiting Information:
Location: The NZA is conveniently located within easy reach of the city centre, making it a perfect day trip for visitors and locals.
Opening Hours: The zoo is open year-round, with seasonal variations in hours, so be sure to check the official website for current details.
Tickets: Admission prices vary depending on age, and discounted rates are often available for families and groups. Annual memberships are also available for those who plan to visit regularly.
Accessibility: NZA strives to be accessible to all visitors, with facilities for people with disabilities as well as many ramps instead of stairs.
The National Zoo and Aquarium is more than just a place to see animals; it’s a place to connect with the natural world. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun day out, the Zoo offers a memorable experience. So, plan your visit today and embark on a journey of discovery at this remarkable zoological park.
GENERAL ENTRY
Children 3-17 years (or enrolled secondary student) $32
Tertiary Students with student card $48
Seniors Card/Pension Card Holders $48
Adults $55
Family – 2 adults and up to 3 Children $152
Healesville Sanctuary is situated in the Yarra Valley wine region at Badger Creek, Healesville. Unlike Melbourne Zoo, which has exotic and Australian animals, Healesville Sanctuary exclusively deals with native Australian animals. Thus, the sanctuary is perfect for overseas visitors who want to experience Australian wildlife up close and personal. Visitors can also take part in feeding the kangaroos and, for an extra fee – cuddling a koala or patting a dingo.
History
Dr Colin MacKenzie founded Healesville Sanctuary initially as the Institute of Anatomical Research in 1920. The 32 hectares (78 acres) site had formerly been part of Coranderrk, an aboriginal reserve. In 1927 the sanctuary was transferred to Healesville Council. MacKenzie was knighted in 1929, and in 1934 the council renamed it the Sir Colin Mackenzie Sanctuary and opened it to the public. Finally, in June 1978, the sanctuary was transferred to the Victorian Zoological Parks & Gardens board.
Habitats
The sanctuary is in a natural bush setting with paths winding through different habitats housing wallabies, wombats, dingoes, kangaroos, and over 200 species of bird.
Main Track: this will take you past the emu, reptiles, amphibians, and the ‘Land of the Parrots’ walk-through aviary. The aviary is home to budgerigars, Red-Tail Cockatoos, Eclectus Parrots, Lorikeets, Zebra Finches, and Regent Parrots. Also on the main track is the Flight Arena, where you can sit and enjoy the ‘Spirits of the Sky’ show daily at 12 pm and 3 pm featuring a wedgetail eagle, black buzzard and parrots.
Woodland Track: this track features forest animals such as wombats, wallabies, and lace monitors, as well as kookaburras, pelicans, barn owls, and Tasmanian devils.
Dingo Country: The dingo country track takes you through the dingo habitat. Their habitat is a high, rocky exhibit, offering visitors a chance to see the dingoes up close and learn about their history. Dingoes are related to the Indian Wolf; however, they became genetically distinct after their arrival on the Australian mainland around 5,000 years ago.
Wetlands Track: this is for all the waterbirds, such as black swans, royal spoonbills, etc.
Visiting the zoo
Healesville Sanctuary is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm.
Adult entry is $42; Seniors are $38, and Concession is $31.50. Children under 16 are free on weekends, public holidays, and school holidays. At all other times, children are $21. Entry is free for zoo members.
On Australia Day 2020, Miska the Snow Leopard gave birth to three cubs. According to Carnivores Keeper Monique Counihan, a first-time mum, “Miska has been the most perfect mum that you could ever imagine”.
Miska and the cubs
The zoo finally reopened on June 1st, after being closed due to Covid-19, and the cubs were displayed to the public about three weeks ago. They are healthy and playful, and on the day I visited, difficult to photograph as they were playing up top on the rocks. My zoom lens has a max focal length of 420mm, and I wished I had one that was longer. I ended up having to crop about half of the image out. Shooting through the wire netting was problematic, while through the glass didn’t give a good line of sight. Watching them was a treat, though, as, on each previous visit, I hadn’t even spotted Miska.
Snow leopards are among the world’s most elusive animals and are classified as Vulnerable in the wild by the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List. They live in harsh mountain environments in countries including India, Nepal, China, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Threats faced by snow leopards in the wild include poaching and mining developments.
Melbourne Zoo
The cubs’ names, chosen and voted by zoo members, are “Asha”, a Hindi name meaning ‘hope’. “Manju”, a Sanskrit word meaning ‘snow’ and “Sikari”, a Nelali word translated means ‘hunter’.
Kang-Ju the Snow Leopard
We eventually gave up on getting a better image of the cubs and continued through the lion gorge, then happened upon the cub’s father in his own enclosure just after his breakfast. He was, thankfully, quite close to the glass and content with his meal. He sat and watched us for a while, allowing us to get our shots.
Indrah the Sumatran Tiger
From Kang-Ju, we continued to the Sumatran tiger. The female tiger is in Lion-gorge, along with the leopards and lions. We got to her just as she was taking her breakfast off to the trees at the back of the enclosure. We waited for the sound of crunching bones while she ate, and then she came back out and paced around a bit before stopping to drink.
Indrah was born at Melbourne Zoo in 2010. As tigers are solitary animals, except when living with their mother as cubs, Melbourne Zoo replicates this environment, and she is alone in her enclosure in Lion Gorge. Indra’s brother Hutan shares his enclosure in ‘Trail of the Elephants’ with his mother – but they swap them out several times a day with only one in the enclosure at a time. We didn’t see Hutan when we were there as both he and his mother were off display. The mother of both tigers, Binjai, is now 18 years old and spends most of her day snoozing.
- Tigers are proficient swimmers and can cross rivers that are 7–8 km wide without difficulty.
- They attack their prey from the rear; only one in 10–20 attempts succeed in a kill.
- Melbourne Zoo Tickets and Bookings 1300 966 784
- Open 9 am to 5 pm seven days a week