The Hamilton Zoo

Providing shelter to more than 600 native as well as exotic animals, Hamilton Zoo occupies a total land area of 25 hectares and is set amidst a serene environment. Located on Brymer Road, Hamilton, this distinctive New Zealand Zoo is an impressive sanctuary for wildlife. Approximately 2 hours around the zoo and visitors will discover many diverse species from native birds, reptiles and mammals.

Initiated in 1969, the zoo was at the very beginning called the Hilldale Game Farm. Formerly owned by Mr and Mrs Powell, Hamilton City Council later managed the site. However, for several years the zoo was not in good condition and as a result was forced to be closed until the Zoo Education Centre was established in 1987. With this establishment, many new measures were taken to upgrade the facilities of the zoo, create new exhibits and paths and even embark on extensive planting. The first Zoo Director of Hamilton Zoo was appointed in 1989. Today the zoo employs more than 25 people dedicatedly working towards the well being of the animals and providing comprehensive service for the visitor.

The Hamilton Zoo boasts Australasia's biggest walk-through aviary known as the FreeFlight Sanctuary which is complete with native plants and birds. Identified as the zoo's most notable feature, this sanctuary occupies an area of more than 3800 square metres and provides birds with more than 20 million litres of airspace. It is inbuilt with ponds, valleys covered with fern and waterfalls providing birds with comfortable natural surroundings. Few native birds that can be spotted here include Blue Duck -Whio, New Zealand Kingfisher -kotare, Banded Rail -Riro Riro and New Zealand Wood Pigeon -Kereru.

Apart from the vibrant birds and plants, Hamilton Zoo is a great place to explore the lives of many different types of reptiles and mammals such as wallabies, ring-tailed lemurs, giraffes, African cheetahs, red pandas, Zebras, blue-tongued lizards and much more. Some of the rarest animals such as the white rhinoceros can also be spotted here at the Hamilton Zoo. The zoo plays an essential role in protecting and preserving threatened and endangered animals of both home ground and of the world. Concerning this, the zoo works hand in hand with many international conservation programmes.