Meerkat Close Encounter

Pop in and meet the Zoo’s most curious characters in our Meerkat Close Encounter. Come face-to-face with these busy, bright-eyed excavators as they dig, chatter, and hunt for bugs, while learning about their social lives, survival skills, and life on the African plains. Our Meerkats are no shy wallflowers, and they’ll be happy to welcome you to their home while they get fed some special treats.

Go into the meerkat habitat with an expert Zoo team member and meet the Meerkats. Learn how we care for them to ensure that the mob (that’s the word for a group of meerkats) has different and exciting experiences every day. You’ll find out what makes meerkats so special, and what you can do to help protect them.

Meerkats are cute, but they're not pets; they're wild animals. You’ll get to sit very close to them, but you won’t be able to pat them. All our Close Encounters are animal-led; it is up to the animals whether they choose to participate and how long they will stay during your time with them.

10% of proceeds from all Close Encounters help us save wildlife and wild places through projects supported by Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo Partners in Conservation Fund.

Meerkat Lemur Close Encounter Details: 

Age:
- 6 years old and up
- Anyone aged 6–13 must be accompanied by a paid participating adult

Time:
- 1:00pm and 4.00pm every day
- Please arrive at the Zoo at least 30 minutes ahead of your scheduled Close Encounter time

Cost:
- $129 per person including free Zoo entry
- If you’re a Zoo Crew member, you get a 15% discount on this and all other Close Encounters

 
Participants:
- A maximum of 4 people can participate in this Close Encounter
- If your group is less than the maximum allowed, other participants may also join you for this experience

Duration:
- 30 minutes
- You are welcome to explore the Zoo before or after your Close Encounter

 
Bookings:
- Please book your Close Encounter in advance
- If you'd like to give someone else a Close Encounter as a gift, purchase a Gift Card and your lucky recipient can redeem this when they book their experience
- If your first choice isn't available, please check other Encounter availability

Accessibility:
- Please note that this experience is not suitable for those with mobility issues
- If you have other accessibility needs, please contact us to ensure we can welcome you on this Close Encounter

Terms and Conditions:
- Please ensure you wear long pants and fully closed-toe shoes (no Crocs please)
- Please read the full terms and conditions for this experience on the booking page