Walk, talk, squeak and squawk with the animals at Adelaide's innovative and award-winning zoo.
Just a couple of minutes from the city centre is Adelaide Zoo, the only zoo in Australia to operate on a non-profit basis. Open every day of the year, this 8-hectare conservation area is home to over 1,800 animals across almost 300 different species. Many animals are enclosed in the same exhibits in an effort to stay true to how they would interact in the wild. One of the zoo's most recent enclosures is called Immersion. Here, visitors can seemingly walk through this jungle habitat with animals, like the Sumatran tiger and orangutans, at an arm's length.One of the main attractions is the giant panda habitat, home to Wang Wang and Funi. Giant pandas are one of the most endangered species in the world and these two are the only bears of their kind in the entire Southern hemisphere. Unfortunately, you can't take these cute, cuddly-looking bears home with you, but you can take a trip to the zoo shop and pick up a smaller version as a souvenir. All shop profits go right back into the maintenance of the grounds.The aviaries bring you up close with all kinds of colourful, chirping birds while only a short stroll away is the reptile house, where you can sneak a peek at lizards, alligators and tortoises as well as the green anaconda. There is also an extensive native and exotic botanical collection including the soaring Moreton Bay fig tree, planted in 1877.The Children's Zoo has over 120 animals for the little ones to make friends with. Hop along with the kangaroos, take a visit to the docile koalas' home or feed the deer, goats, rabbits and colourful chickens - but remember to let the kids have a go too! The Envirodome is also a great hands-on educational experience for both adults and children.If you're feeling peckish, Wisteria Café and Restaurant at the zoo entrance is open from 9 a.m., and there are other shops dotted around the grounds where you can buy snacks and drinks throughout the day. You can even take a break from your trek and have a picnic with the whole family on the Central Lawn before you leave the wonderful sounds of wildlife behind you.
