October School Holidays - Zookeeper for a Day at Auckland Zoo!

Saturday 28 September to Sunday 13 October 2024

At Auckland Zoo these October holidays, come and discover what it takes to be a zookeeper and all the cool science and amazing mahi that goes into caring for animals’ total wellbeing.

It’s a wild job ensuring the best lives for so many different species at the Zoo - from Aotearoa New Zealand’s super smart and inquisitive kea to big cats like tigers and the world’s largest (and highly intelligent) land mammal - like Asian elephant Burma who eats up to150kg of food a day!

On arrival, pick up your ‘Keeper for a Day’ science of care activity booklet and let your zookeeping experience begin!

From Monday 30 September, there’ll be lots of fun activities in ‘The Domes’ (our covered exhibition space) - from colouring-in, games and puzzles to a reading corner and videos featuring our wonderful zookeepers and veterinary team caring for animals at the Zoo. Be sure to also get along to some of our daily Keeper Talks to see and hear from our keepers first-hand.

As Burma is due to relocate to her new zoo home, Monarto Safari Park, in early November (with the support of our dedicated and highly skilled elephant team), these holidays are a great opportunity for you and your whānau to visit Elephant Clearing to see her ahead of her move.

As part of our activities in The Domes you can also share with us your favourite Burma memories. 

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Free Library Sessions

Animal Enrichment with Auckland Zoo

Caring for kararehe creatively these holidays! Join the conservation learning team to consider how we look after animals at the Zoo today... and what you could do for your pets at home! We will be experimenting with recycled or repurposed materials to create engaging enrichment items for animals to use. Whether you are a pet owner or avid zoo fan, there will be something for everyone to get their paws stuck into!  

Check out the library sessions

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Free Sessions at Arataki Visitor Centre

Learn about lizards with our conservation learning team

Join our conservation learning team at the Arataki Visitor Centre for 45 minute sessions these school holidays to learn all about mokomoko (lizards) and how to identify them! Attending whānau will have the opportunity to get close to endemic geckos, talk to conservation experts and even practice creating safe spaces for lizards using backyard materials. There will be action-based exercises and experiences to help translate curiosity and compassion into meaningful actions.

Dates and Times:

  • Wednesday 9 October - 10am or 1pm
  • Friday 11 October - 10am or 1pm
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Tickets for the Zoo

Buy tickets to the Auckland Zoo for the School Holidays using the link below. Plus, Auckland Residents who book tickets a minimum of one day in advance, will receive book in advance pricing (and avoid the queue to buy tickets).

Buy now
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Get an Annual Pass Membership

Purchase an Auckland Zoo Annual Pass Membership and visit as many times as you like in a year! Plus, a membership gives the animals a year of seeing you.

Find out more
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The Five Domains of Animal Welfare

Science of Care

There's a real science to how we care for the animals here at Auckland Zoo - from environment to nutrition, to physical health and behaviour – all of these combined contribute to a positive mental state for an animal. To find out more about how we care for animals, watch our newest video series and even how to go in the draw for an exclusive and behind the scene tour of Auckland Zoo, click on the link below. 

Learn more