Meet one of Madagascar’s most charismatic animals in a Black and White Ruffed Lemur Close Encounter. Get up close with these vocal, energetic lemurs as you learn about the vital role they play in their forest home. It’s a lively, memorable encounter with a species that’s as fascinating as it is fluffy!

Go into the Black and White Ruffed Lemurs’ habitat with an expert Zookeeper and meet the Black and White Ruffed Lemurs. While they politely look around you for treats, you’ll be able to admire their amazingly thick, fluffy fur. Learn how our Zookeepers care for them to ensure that the conspiracy (that’s the word for a group of Lemurs) has challenging and stimulating experiences every day. You’ll find out what makes Black and White Ruffed Lemurs so special, why they are critically endangered - and what you can do to help protect 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.

Black and White Ruffed Lemur Close Encounter Details:

Important information:
- Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo is home to two species of Lemur
- This Close Encounter lets you get up close to our male Black and White Ruffed Lemurs
- Masks are required to be worn throughout our Lemur Close Encounter. We will provide N95 masks for this upon arrival to the Encounter.

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

Time:
- 2:45pm 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 fully closed-toe shoes (no Crocs please)
- Please read the full terms and conditions for this experience on the booking page

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

Meet one of the Zoo’s most adorable residents in our Red Panda Close Encounter. Get up close with these playful, fluffy climbers as you learn about their unique behaviours and the conservation efforts helping to protect them. Experience the incredible privilege of a red panda getting up close to you and make memories that will last a lifetime spending time with this beautiful species.   

Go into the Red Panda habitat with an expert Zoo team members and meet the Red Pandas. While they put their paws on your knees to grab another tasty treat, you’ll be able to admire their amazingly thick, red fur. Learn how we care for them to ensure that they have challenging and stimulating experiences every day. You’ll find out what makes Red Pandas so special, why they are endangered - and what you can do to help protect 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. 

Red Panda Close Encounter Details:

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

Time:
- 11:30am every day
- Please arrive at the Zoo at least 30 minutes ahead of your scheduled Close Encounter time

Cost:
- $159 per person including free Zoo entry
- If you’re a Zoo Crew member, you get a 15% discount off 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 & Conditions:
- Please ensure you wear long pants and fully closed-toe shoes (no Crocs)
- Please read the full terms and conditions for this experience on the booking page

Capybara Close Encounters are sadly unavailable until further notice. We’re sorry for any inconvenience.

Capybara

The Capybara is the world’s largest rodent and they share similar features with rats, mice and guinea pigs, such as their ever-growing front teeth. One of their notable features is their partially webbed feet making the Capybara excellent swimmers!

Capybaras are herbivores, eating mostly grass, water plants and vegetables, as well as fruit and tree bark. They are also a herd species, which means they are a very social animal.

A Close Encounter at Wellington Zoo is more than just meeting an amazing animal close-up. You’re joined by a Zoo Keeper who works with the animals you are meeting. They will introduce you to your encounter animals and answer any of your questions about them, and about Capybaras in the wild and why they’re important. They’ll also happily take a photo of you inside the Capybara Habitat, so don’t forget your camera!

10% from every Capybara Close Encounter goes directly to the Wellington Zoo Conservation Fund – so when you book, you’re personally helping us to save animals in the wild through projects supported by the Wellington Zoo
Partners in Conservation Fund.

Capybara Close Encounter details

Age: 6 years old and up. Anyone aged 6 - 13 will need to be accompanied by a paying and participating adult on the experience.

Time: 11:45am every day. Participants must arrive at least 30 minutes ahead of their scheduled encounter time.

Cost: $129 per person including Zoo entry.

If you’re a Zoo Crew member, you get a 15% discount on this, and all other Close Encounters. 

Participants: Maximum of 4 people per encounter. Enclosed shoes must be worn. 

Duration: 30 minutes

Bookings: Please book in advance. If you want to give someone else this amazing experience, you can buy a Gift Card which the lucky recipient can redeem when they make their booking. If your first choice Close Encounter isn't available, click here to check the availability of our other experiences.

Accessibility: This encounter is not Wheelchair accessible. 

Terms and Conditions: Full terms and conditions for this experience are available on the booking page.

Come face-to-face with the tallest animal in the Zoo during your Giraffe Close Encounter. Meet these gentle giants up close as you learn about them and their fascinating social lives, while gaining insight into the conservation efforts helping protect giraffes across Central and Southern Africa. Experience incredible by getting a whole new perspective on just how large a giraffe can be! 

Go behind the scenes with an expert Zookeeper and meet the Giraffes. Learn how our Zookeepers care for them to ensure that the tower (that’s the word for a group of Giraffes) has challenging and stimulating experiences every day. See them in action as the Zookeeper shows you the daily training that they do with the Giraffes. Then hand feed them some of their favourite treats. You’ll find out what makes Giraffes so special and what you can do to help protect them.

The Giraffe Close Encounter is hands off which means you won't get to touch them; though you’ll be close enough to feel their breath! 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.

Giraffe Close Encounter Details:

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

Time:
- 2:45pm 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 off 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 & 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.

Get an up-close look at the curious, clever, and completely charming Sasa the Sun Bear. Discover her impressive climbing skills and unique adaptations, including that famously long tongue! This is a rare chance to connect with one of the forest’s most remarkable characters.

Go behind the scenes with an expert Zookeeper, help prepare Sasa’s enrichment and then watch her figure it out. Learn how we care for her to ensure that Sasa has challenging and stimulating experiences every day. You’ll find out what makes Sasa so special, why Sun Bears are classed as vulnerable, and what you can do to help protect them.

All Sun Bear contact is ‘hands-off’, even for our Zookeepers. This means you won't get to touch Sasa or feed her out of your hands. 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.

Sun Bear Close Encounter Details:

Age:
- 14 years old and up
- Anyone aged 14 – 17 must be accompanied by a paid participating adult

Time:
- 11.45am Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays & Mondays
- 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 off this and all other Close Encounters

Participants:
- A maximum of 2 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 & Conditions:
- Please ensure you wear fully closed-toe shoes (no Crocs please)
- Please read the full terms and conditions for this experience on the booking page

Invisibility! Regeneration! Super strength! Discover a world buzzing with superpowers in our Minibeast Close Encounter. This experience lets you meet some of nature’s smallest stars up close and see just how mighty Minibeasts really are.

Go behind the scenes at our invertebrate house, Hero HQ, where an expert Zookeeper will introduce you to some of nature’s most fascinating and misunderstood species. You’ll meet animals such as Scorpions, Goliath Stick Insects, and Tarantulas and learn how we care for these incredible species every day. You’ll find out what makes many of our smallest creatures so special, why they are so important to our entire ecosystem - and what you can do to help protect them.

All Minibeast contact is ‘hands-off’ for visitors, only expert Zookeepers who have been specially trained in proper handling techniques are able to hold these animals. 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.

Minibeast Close Encounter Details:

Important information:
- Our Hero HQ facility is designed to provide the best environment for the animals, which means it is quite hot and humid

- There will be space to leave bags and cots before entering the facility. Contact us if you have any concerns 

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

Time:
- 2.45pm Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
- 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 off 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 & Conditions:
- Please ensure you wear long pants and fully closed-toe shoes (no Crocs)
- Please read the full terms and conditions for this experience on the booking page

Experience the raw power and striking beauty of the critically endangered Sumatran Tigers. Discover how we care for these remarkable predators, learn about the threats they face in the wild, and see how participating in this Close Encounter helps protect their future. Don’t miss this chance to meet one of nature’s most extraordinary survivors.

Go behind the scenes with an expert Zookeeper and help prepare the Tigers’ enrichment, then watch as they figure it out. Learn how we care for them to ensure that the Tigers have challenging and stimulating experiences every day. You’ll find out what makes Sumatran Tigers so special, why they are endangered, and what you can do to help protect them.

All Tiger contact is ‘hands-off’, even for our Zookeepers. This means you won't get to touch them or feed them out of your hands. 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.

Tiger Close Encounter Details:

Age:
- 14 years old and up
- Anyone aged 14 – 17 must be accompanied by a paid participating adult

Time:
- 2:45pm Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays & Sundays
- 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 off 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 & 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

Get closer than you ever imagined to the kings of the jungle - the majestic Lions. You’ll learn how we care for these powerful big cats, discover their unique personalities, and see their incredible strength and presence up close. We can guarantee it will be a breathtaking experience you’ll be talking about for years!

Go behind the scenes with an expert Zookeeper. Learn how our Zookeepers care for them to ensure that the Lions have challenging and stimulating experiences every day. You’ll find out what makes Lions so special, why they are classed as vulnerable – and what you can do to help protect them.   

All Lion contact is ‘hands-off’, even for our Zookeepers. This means you won't get to touch them or feed them out of your hands. 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.

Lion Close Encounter Details:

Age:

- 14 years old and up
- Anyone aged 14 – 17 must be accompanied by a paid participating adult

Time:
- 2:45pm Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays
- 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 off 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 & Conditions:
- Please ensure you wear long pants and fully closed-toe shoes (no Crocs)
- Please read the full terms and conditions for this experience on the booking page

Step into the Snow Leopards’ secret world. Get eye-to-eye with one of the most elusive big cats on the planet. See their incredible agility up close and their super long, ultra fluffy tails! It’s intense, awe-inspiring, and will leave you feeling empowered to learn how we in Aotearoa, New Zealand, can make a difference to Snow Leopard habitats in Nepal. 

Go behind the scenes with an expert Zookeeper and help prepare the Snow Leopards’ enrichment. Learn how our Zookeepers care for them to ensure that the Snow Leopards have challenging and stimulating experiences every day. You’ll find out what makes Snow Leopards so special, why they are classed as vulnerable – and what you can do to help protect them.   

All Snow Leopard contact is ‘hands-off’, even for our Zookeepers. This means you won't get to pat them or feed them out of your hands. 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.

Snow Leopard Close Encounter Details:

Age:
- 14 years old and up
- Anyone aged 14 - 17 must be accompanied by a paid participating adult

Time:
- 11:45am 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 off 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 & Conditions:
- Please ensure you wear long pants and fully closed-toe shoes (no Crocs)
- Please read the full terms and conditions for this experience on the booking page

Join our Ring-Tailed Lemurs in their sunny habitat as you step right into their world. When they leap overhead, see if you can count how many rings are on each of their tails! They’re social and seriously fun.

Go behind the scenes with an expert Zookeeper and help prepare the Lemurs’ enrichment and watch as they figure it out. Learn how we care for them to ensure that the conspiracy (that’s the word for a group of Lemurs) has challenging and stimulating experiences every day. You’ll find out what makes Ring-Tailed Lemurs so special, why they are endangered - and what you can do to help protect them.

Ring-Tailed Lemurs 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.

Ring-Tailed Lemur Close Encounter Details:

Important information:
-  Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo is home to two species of Lemur. This Close Encounter lets you get up close to our male Ring-Tailed Lemurs

Age:
- 7 years old and up
- Anyone aged 7 – 13 must be accompanied by a paid participating adult

Time:
- 11:45am 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 off 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 & Conditions:
- Please ensure you wear long pants and fully closed-toe shoes (no Crocs)
- Please read the full terms and conditions for this experience on the booking page

Get up close with the cheeky Asian Small-Clawed Otter brothers in this lively Close Encounter that’s all about curious noses and busy paws. It’s a bit noisy; it’s a bit fishy, and it’s guaranteed to make you smile.  

Go behind the scenes with an expert Zookeeper and help prepare the Otters’ enrichment and watch as they try and figure it out! Learn how we care for them to ensure that the romp (the word for a group of Otters) has challenging and stimulating experiences every day. You’ll find out what makes Otters so special, why they are classed as vulnerable – and what you can do to help protect them.   

All Otter contact is ‘hands-off’, even for our Zookeepers. Otters are cute, but they're not pets; they're wild animals. This means you won't get to pat them or feed them out of your hands. 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.

Otter Close Encounter Details:

Important information:
- Please note that participants on this Close Encounter may handle fish or other seafood

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

Time:
- 2:45pm 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 off this and all other Close Encounters

Participants:
- A maximum of 2 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 & Conditions:
- Please ensure you wear long pants and fully closed-toe shoes (no Crocs)

- Please read the full terms and conditions for this experience on the booking page  

Come face to face with the Kororā Little Penguin — a taonga (treasured) species with a massive attitude despite their small size. Get up close to these famously shy but surprisingly loud locals, learn why these Kororā arrived at our veterinary hospital and now live at Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo.

You’ll head into the habitat with an expert Zookeeper and help with the Kororā Little Penguins’ daily care. Learn how our Zookeepers care for them to ensure that the colony has challenging and stimulating experiences every day. You’ll find out what makes Kororā Little Penguins so special, and what you can do to help protect them.

All Kororā Little Penguin contact is ‘hands-off’ for visitors; only expert Zookeepers who have been specially trained in proper handling techniques are able to hold these animals. This means you won't get to pat them or hand-feed them. All of 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.

Kororā Penguin Close Encounter Details:

Important information:
- Please note that participants on this Close Encounter may handle fish or other seafood

- Participants will be asked to switch their footwear for gumboots that will be provided. This is to help prevent contamination of the habitat. 

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

Time:
- 3:15pm Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays
- 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 off this and all other Close Encounters

Participants:
- A maximum of 2 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 & Conditions:
- Please ensure you wear long pants and fully closed-toe shoes (no Crocs)
- Please read the full terms and conditions for this experience on the booking page