Auckland, New Zealand
The Auckland Zoo opened in 1922, and it is home to the largest collection of animals in New Zealand. With its mission to be a conservation leader, its accolades make it a place to experience. It is recognized as one of the most progressive zoos in the world. A winner of national and international environmental-related awards, it features 117 species, and over 700 animals, and has received increasing global recognition for its conservation efforts and programs. Every single species that calls this zoo home is here not just for the enjoyment of the visitor but as a contributor to the survival of their wild counterparts.
One of the most colorful and important conservation endeavors at the Auckland zoo features some of the most adorable and intelligent species on the globe-the Orangutan. These gorgeous, red-furred primates are one of the closest relatives to humans, and also one of the the most endangered of all species. Seeing these curious, flat-faced great apes inspires visitors to reflect on their possibly eminent demise. It is projected that they will be extinct in the wild within ten years if the sourcing of palm oil continues in their limited rainforest habitat. You can find the Orangutans at the heart of the zoo on the Primate Trail, and their silly antics and gentle interactions can be immensely captivating.
At Auckland Zoo, there is one very special elephant, an Asian elephant that has called this zoo home for 20 years. If a visitor is lucky, they might encounter Burma on her daily walks with keepers as she strolls the zoo. She is a joyful sight, happy in her home and comfortably interacting with her keepers, very well trusted after two decades in her home. She suffered the loss of her companion elephant two years ago, but seems to be doing relatively well despite the emotional depth elephant for which elephants are known. Elephants bond very closely with one another, and it would not be surprising for Burma to be experiencing mush grief at the loss of her friend. Therein, while the Auckland zoo searches other reputable zoos to find her a companion, her disposition has since the loss of her friend has been closely monitored. What is extremely fascinating is that in order to make sure Burma is not too lonely, keepers and other behavior specialists at the zoo are researching introducing a horse companion, as horses typically have the same herd structure and behavior as elephants! How interesting it would be to see these companions sharing their captive environment! Or course, the safety of both Cherry, the horse companion who may share her home, and Burma, is first priority in attempting to give each the best life possible. Eventually, the zoo hopes to acquire more elephants that need sanctuary, but they will never consider elephants removed from the wild.
The Pridelands is another beautifully crafted part of the Auckland Zoo, and one can view many species that share the African Savannah recreation of their native home. Giraffe, springbok, and zebra all wander about as though on the open grasslands in their spacious enclosures. Alongside, visitors can see the world’s third largest land animal, the White Rhino. Not truly “white”, this species of rhino is nearly the same color as its smaller cousin, the Black Rhino. The name actually was intended to reflect the “wide”, square mouth of the “white rhino”…a contrast to the pointed prehensile lip of the “black rhino”. The white rhino is a grassland animal, and is essentially a living lawnmower, so the adaptation of a wide mouth serves it well as it grazes. The black rhino is from a region with more trees and shrubs and relies on a strong, pointed, gripping upper lip to get its food. Whatever the name, being in the company of an animal this majestic is unforgettable.
If you want to get even closer to the animals, or spend more time with them, the Auckland Zoo features many opportunities to do so. Kids can become a zookeeper for the day and work alongside the keepers themselves, or the entire family can arrange to stay the night and see the animals after dark! There are other exciting events to experience as well, from the summer concert held each year or behind the scenes tours for the whole family! And if you just feel like doing your own thing, but don’t want to walk all day, you can rent a golf cart to twirl around the place!
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