Wellbeing at Auckland Zoo

Get your daily fix of nature from 9:30am

It’s scientifically proven that observing animals in their habitats has a calming effect, reduces stress and anxiety. The simple act of watching animals can slow down your heart rate and help you relax. If you’ve visited recently, you know what we mean when we say…it just feels good.

Whether you’re curing the dullest of weeks by the flamboyance of flamingos, learning some fun and interesting facts at one of our keeper talks (or from any of our wonderful volunteers) or merely sharing a meal and laugh by the squirrel monkeys – seeing, experiencing and connecting with wildlife has so many benefits for your wellbeing.

Five ways to Wellbeing with Auckland Zoo!

The five ways to wellbeing were developed by the New Economics Foundation – an accessible and simple way for people to improve their wellbeing. Below are the five ways and how you can recognise them and realise the benefits.

Connect
Connecting with friends and family or even other people makes you feel happier as you strengthen your sense of belonging. So, even if you are visiting on your own, our friendly staff and volunteers are happy to welcome you as friends! Whether you’re taking a quick stroll with your little one, or much deserved coffee date with a friend – doing so at the Zoo isn’t your average day!

Be Active
The Zoo covers five tracks connecting you with wildlife locally and from around the world, so it’s no surprise that a day of wandering will rack up your step count (according to a reliable source that can be over 4000 steps!). A visit to the Zoo can tick exercise off your to do list while not feeling like it - you’re not going to see a giraffe or snack on some hot chips at your local gym!

Keep learning
Being a life-long learner contributes to increasing your self-confidence and self-esteem. Being curious about the world around you expands your world more, plus, it’s so much fun! Like how a giraffe’s tongue isn’t just for getting food…but also to lick their eyes and nose to keep them clean. So let curiosity be your guide – but we have maps as well if you need it!

Take notice
There’s countless research that shows that moments not minutes with nature are really good for your wellbeing.  Appreciating and recognising these moments requires that we pause and/or slow down and take in the natural world. So, take a moment to spot the serval, see an orchid bloom, or hear the siamang vocalising. You don’t have to switch your phone on to silent at the Zoo, but you might as well.

Give
At times, giving can be seen as being just about money, but it can be as simple as opening a door! At the Zoo, every time you visit you help support vital conservation work we do at the Zoo and in the wild. This is the same for when you’re enjoying a nice hokey-pokey ice cream at the Watering Hole or buying that cheetah keyring you know would look cute on your car keys. By giving your time to the Zoo, those work deadlines don’t always seem as ‘important’.