South East Asia.

Construction of our South East Asia Jungle Track (over one fifth of the Zoo’s public space!) began in late 2017. Because of its size (it’s our biggest ever project) it’s being created and opened in stages. The animal areas include a high canopy habitat for orangutans and siamang gibbons (now open), a lowlands habitat for our tigers and otters, and a swamp forest habitat - a magnificent climate-controlled tropical dome featuring crocodiles, other reptiles and fish. We’ve also created a new café/function centre overlooking the Zoo’s lake.

Additional to this, an amazing network of aerial pathways across the lake will provide an extended climbing range for our primates. It will also feature a boardwalk. From the high canopy habitat, visitors will be able to walk across the lake and over to the swamp forest.

Our high canopy habitat for our orangutans and siamangs has just opened. The next area to open will be our tiger habitat. Keep an eye on our social media channels for progress updates.

Areas of construction have hoardings or fencing surrounding them, and our Zoo map clearly shows which areas these are and what pathways are accessible to you. Our fabulous volunteers, the friendly folk in red, are also out in force to help you.

It is worth noting that a significant part of the new South East Asia footprint incorporates areas that have not previously been home to animals and/or animal habitats.  In creating our future zoo, we’re maximising the beautiful green spaces we have. Our lake is being enlarged to create a bigger wetlands area, we’re creating larger and more enriching homes for our animals, and improving pathways for you, our visitors, to create even more immersive experiences.

Yes! We are excited to share that in addition to orangutans, siamang gibbons, tigers and otters, our new South East Asia area will be home to the stunning Asian crocodile species, the Sunda gharial, a rich diversity of fish species including Asian arowana and other reptiles.

Yes. As part of zoos’ international breeding programme for these Critically Endangered big cats, we will be welcoming more Sumatran tigers, who will have a home in our expansive new tiger habitat. A date for more tiger(s) arriving is yet to be confirmed.

Despite this build, there are now more animals to see and experience when you visit. We’ve introduced new bird species in our Australia precinct, now have iguana on display, have welcomed the African antelope species, nyala and waterbuck, as well as African crested porcupines and Emperor tamarins. In addition, be sure to visit our Vet Hospital just along from our red panda habitat. Here in the public viewing gallery you can view into the hospital’s treatment room and operating theatre and may see staff treating Zoo animals or injured animals from the wild.

Yes. Our new café and function venue, Te Puna, is now open. Over 1000 m2, and elevated, it looks out over the Zoo’s lake, where via a network of climbing structures, our orangutans and siamang gibbons will have an extended climbing range that is in the process of being completed. 

As well as new toilet facilities in this new café, there will be additional new toilet facilities adjoining the new South East Asia area.

Yes, we have reduced our admission prices, as we appreciate that our visitors’ zoo experience can potentially be impacted. Same day/walk-up adult prices have reduced from $28.50 to $24.Children (4-14 years) are $13 and under 4s remain free.