HAMILTON ZOO
Hamilton Zoo is also known as Rawhi Whakaaturanga o Kirikiriroa in Māori. It is the main zoological garden of Hamilton, New Zealand. The zoo covers over 25 hectares (62 acres) and is located on the Brymer Road – which is a suburb of Rotokauri. The zoo is home to over 600 native and exotic animals, and it is the only zoo in the country that features fishing cats. It is also the country’s largest free-flight aviary which is dedicated to native birds and plants.
The zoo was officially opened to the public in 1969 as a game farm – the Hilldale Game Farm. The original owners were Murray and Gloria Powell and they primarily raised game birds for the Acclimatization Society, and a small collection of exotic mammals and birds for viewing. Unfortunately, the zoo became unprofitable and was facing closure in 1976 and during this time The Hamilton City Council stepped in and bought the site, buildings, and stock from the owners. In 1984, the zoo was again scheduled for closing but due to public pressure, the Council resolved it and kept it open. By that time, they transferred the Day-to-day running of the zoo to the Department of Recreation and Welfare.
Hamilton Zoo is committed in the conservation of animals and the sustainability of environment. As of part of this moto, the zoo participates in various conservation and research projects, and contributes to breeding programme for endangered species and rehabilitation of native animals. The zoo aims to provide a wonderful day for the visitors and by connecting the visitors to the nature and by educating them on the importance of conservation. They zoo authority have framed the programme to educate the visitors about the importance of conservation too.
CONSERVATION INITIATIVES
Hamilton Zoo is involved in various conservation projects to build awareness to public, both within the country and abroad. They strive to inspire conservation action and as a part of this, in 2006 The Hamilton Zoo Conservation Fund was developed. The Hamilton Zoo Conservation Fund was established to aid the projects run by the Zoo. Fund were raised through public donations, 10% of zoo’s revenue, and remaining from conservation events. The zoo is also committed to participating in various research projects and contributing to breeding programme for endangered species namely the breeding programmed for the southern white rhino.
WHAT ALL ANIMALS CAN WE SEE HERE?
Hamilton Zoo is home to over 600 native and exotic animals and birds. Here are some of the animals you can see at the zoo:
- Mammals: The zoo houses a variety of mammals including giraffes, zebras, chimpanzees, red pandas, lemurs, Sumatran tigers, rhinos, and spider monkeys and even farm animals like kune kune pigs.
- Birds: Hamilton Zoo boasts the largest free-flight aviary in New Zealand dedicated to native birds and plants. You can find Alexandrine Parakeet, Australian King Parrot, Black Swan, Blue and Yellow Macaw, Eclectus Parrot, Galah, New Zealand Kereru, North Island Kaka, Ostrich, Sacred Kingfisher, Salmon-crested Cockatoo, Scarlet Macaw and many more.
- Reptiles & Amphibians: The zoo does have a variety of reptiles and amphibians. Giant/Duvaucel’s Gecko, Forest Gecko, Otago Skink, Robust Skink, Tuatara and many more.
FACILITIES
Hamilton Zoo offers a variety of facilities for visitors to ensure an enjoyable experience, Facilities includes:
- Caffe, where you get refreshment and grab a bite to eat.
- Picnic Areas where you can relax and enjoy your own food.
- Children’s Playground for children to play and have fun.
- Barbecue Areas where you can there are barbecue yourself and have fun.
- Souvenir Shop where you can buy keepsakes or gifts for memory.
- Guided Tour: The zoo provides guided programs for the visitors like:
- Face2Face opportunities. These zoo tours allow you to go behind the scenes to meet various animals. The duration of a Face2Face tour at Hamilton Zoo is usually around 2-3 hours andthe cost of the tour at Hamilton Zoo varies depending on the specific animal encounter. The price for an exclusive animal encounter per group ranges from $300 to $800. To book a guided tour at Hamilton Zoo, you can visit their official website.
- Meet the Keeper: Zoo offers daily scheduled talks where you can learn more about the zoo’s animals and birds. These talks are given by the critters’ caregivers and during the talk they will talk about specific animals and do answer your questions too. They are free and included with your admission to the zoo.
EVENTS ANDEDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES
Hamilton Zoo hosts a variety of events and educational programme throughout the year like :
- Zoo Education Programme: The zoo’s education team offers a specialized curriculum-based education programme to meet class requirements. The learning possibilities includes – social science, science, writing, design, mathematics, conservation and sustainability.
- Holiday Programme Visits: These are available for established holiday programme groups wanting to visit the Zoo. This programe includes a special discounted rate for children and supervisors, a zoo educator to welcome the group, and a zoo activity booklet for e
- Preschool Visits: This is available on weekdays during the school term at a discounted rate of $7 per person. Children under 3 have free
- Primary/Secondary School Visits: Available on weekdays during the school term at a discounted rate of $7 per person. These visits include an education session.
TIMING and TICKETS
The zoo is open daily from 9:30am to 4:30pm with the last admission at 3:30pm. The ticket prices are as follows:
- Adult: $26
- Child (3-15 years): $12
- Family (2 adults, up to 4 children): $75
- Senior citizen 65+: $19
- Community Services Card holder, Student : $19
Discounts:
Hamilton Zoo offers group discounts for groups of 10 people or more who book and pay together. The discounted rates are as follows:
- Adult: $20
- Child (3-15 years): $10
- Senior citizen 65+ : $15
- Community Services Card holder, Student: $15
LOCATION AND TRANSPORTATION
Hamilton Zoo is located at 183 Brymer Road, Hamilton 32891, in the suburb of Rotokauri. It’s on the outskirts of the metropolitan area towards the northwest.
As for transportation, there are several ways to get to Hamilton Zoo from within Hamilton city. You can take a bus, taxi, or even walk depending on your location.
Address:
183 Brymer Road Baverstock
Hours:
Monday to Sunday
9.30am-4.30pm (last entry 3.30pm)