The Adelaide Zoo is filled with interesting and exotic animals from all over the world and our own backyard. Whether it is the wallabies from Australia, or the big cats from Africa, there is always plenty of fun to be had for both adults and children. It is very easy to spend the whole day at the zoo, and still not be able to do everything on offer.
There are a few animals that are always fun to watch. The Meerkats are always active, whether they are playing with each other, or standing guard in their iconic position. Sitting at the foot of the giraffe enclosure you'll be able to laugh as the meerkats play, and spy the long-necked giraffes as they wander and eat. Another popular spot is right by the otters, these playful creatures are inquisitive and are always up to something.
To get even more from your zoo experience, you can't go past the
Interactive Animal Encounters. Join the pandas for their breakfast, become keeper for a day, or help the hippos with their daily dentist check. The experiences range from
$45 to
$495. If you're looking for something a bit cheaper you can check out the
Brief Animal Encounters where you can feed and get your photo taken with a range of animals.
As well as having fun you'll get a change to learn at the Adelaide Zoo. Explore the old Elephant House and find out the history of the zoo, or learn about zoological issues like the illegal smuggling of animals and the efforts the zoo makes to protect animals.
There are plenty of other amazing creatures at the Adelaide Zoo. It is home to the Southern Hemisphere's
first giant pandas, and has big cats, plenty of monkeys and apes, and other animals from around the world. The types of enclosures differ, but most are fairly open so you can get a good view of all the animals. Unfortunately some like the big cats and a few of the monkeys are still behind fences. Take the walkway over the gibbon enclosure, or wander past the many reptiles. Of course there is also the Children's Zoo, where children can feed and pet some more common barnyard animals.
If you want to support the zoo, and visit more often, then
zoo membership is a great deal. Membership ranges from
$60 for children and
$107 for adults, and there are discounts for households that all join up for a membership. Not only do you get free entry to the Adelaide Zoo for a year, but you'll also get free entry to
Monarto Zoo and a range of other zoos around Australia such as
Taronga,
Western Plains,
Werribee, and more. You can even take out a lifetime membership for the Zoo for
$2100 meaning you'll always be able to visit the zoo, and can bring a friend along for free too.
There is plenty to do at Adelaide Zoo. While the range of animals may not rival other zoos across Australia, it is a beautiful place with some great animals, lovely picnic spots, and cafes and restaurants for you to enjoy. Visit with the kids, or just take a stroll by yourself, everyone will be able to find something they love.
The Adelaide Zoo is open from 9:30-5:00 every day of the year, including Christmas. Entry is
$18 for children under 14, and
$31.50 for adults, with more options available. Check the
website for details.
