We’ve partnered with our friends at Arataki Visitor Centre so that their visitors can experience native wildlife up close!
Located at the entrance of the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park, this centre is a place where visitors can learn about local hiking tracks as well as discover more about nature and the environment.
Our Zoo ectotherm team created distinct habitats for three native species – moko kākāriki (elegant gecko), moko pirirākau (forest gecko) and rō / whē (stick insect) as well as providing key facts and information about them. Each habitat is designed to have everything these animals need to thrive – including appropriate plant species and meeting each animals humidity requirements.
Earlier this week, the four endemic geckos were gifted names by iwi Te Kawerau ā Maki. The moko pirirākau pair were named Tutu and Tau respectively, while the moko kākāriki were gifted the names Ina and Huna.
You can visit the Arakaki Visitor Centre this summer to learn more about our beautiful ngahere (forests) and the wildlife that live within it.
Creating an ectotherm experience in the Waitākere Ranges!
Aja Pendergrast, Auckland Zoo
