Hamilton Zoo


The oldest zoo in New Zealand is the Zoo of Hamilton . He is in the suburbs of Hamilton, a place called Rotokaeri on Braymer Road. The zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoological Objects of Australia, its curator is the Department of Recreation of the City of Hamilton.

History of the Hamilton Zoo

The Hamilton Zoo began its history in 1969, and was originally a small farm organized by the Powell family couple. The farm was mainly engaged in breeding local wild birds, but already at that time a mini-collection of rare animals was kept on its farmstead. In 1976, the family farm "Hilldale Game Farm" was ruined, the question arose about closing the unprofitable farm. To the aid came the city authorities of Hamilton , who provided timely financial support. As a result, the territory occupied by the farm, and most importantly its inhabitants managed to be preserved. After a decade, the zoo once again experienced difficult times. This event stirred the public, and at a meeting of the City Council it was decided to transfer the zoo to the Department of Recreation of Hamilton. Under the management of one of the largest and most influential structures of the city government, the zoo has changed: its area, the number of animals has increased, and general modernization has been carried out. And in 1991 the farm became known as the Hamilton Zoo.

Hamilton Zoo today

Nowadays the Hamilton Zoo is one of the best in the country. It occupies an area of ​​about 25 hectares, and its inhabitants are over 600 species of mammals, reptiles, birds. It is noteworthy that the conditions of keeping animals are not much different from those in the wild.

The Hamilton Zoo implements various programs. For example, for children excursions and lectures are organized, which promote the rapprochement of children with nature and various animals. Adult visitors can use the service "Eye 2 Eye", which involves contact with some of the inhabitants of the zoo (feeding, release of cages, photo sessions).

The most interesting event in life in the life of the Hamilton Zoo in recent years has been the appearance of the offspring of Sumatran tigers. The children were introduced to the public in November 2014.

Helpful information

The Hamilton Zoo accepts guests daily from 09:00 am to 6:00 pm. The entrance fee is charged. Children between the ages of two to 16 pay $ 8 per admission ticket, adults twice as much, students and retirees $ 12. Tourist groups of more than 10 people can count on a fifty percent discount. The cost of the program "Eye 2 Eye" is about 300 dollars.

How to get to the Hamilton Zoo?

Take the bus to No. 3, which stops at Hamilton Zoo, followed by a 20 minute walk. In addition, local taxi services are available.