Dotted with green parklands, old museums, historic buildings, and beautifully manicured botanical gardens, Adelaide is the cosmopolitan capital of South Australia. There is so much to do in this coastal city that one can never get bored –you can taste some of the best Australian wines. And while you are at it, do not miss the zoo in Adelaide, considered the second oldest zoo in the land of Kangaroos.
About the Adelaide Zoo
The Adelaide Zoo is spread across a sprawling eight hectares of greenery and is a perfect home to over 2500 animals and over 300 species of birds, animals, and fishes. It is 15 minutes walk from the city’s central business district and is situated right next to the botanical garden. The zoo is owned and operated by the Royal Zoological Society of South Australia on a non-profit basis. Enter the zoo through the cast iron gates that remind you of the 1883 opening of the Adelaide zoo and meet some of the world’s exotic fauna that lives among the fantastic flora present in the zoo.
Top Places to See in the Adelaide Zoo
There is so much to see in Adelaide zoo that you might just tire out before you get bored. So, follow the Adelaide zoo map to avoid getting lost and make the most of your day at the zoo.
1. Bamboo Forest Pavilion: The Panda Enclosure
You may start your trip by meeting the two cuddly giant pandas of the zoo, Funi and Wang Wang at the Bamboo Forest Pavilion. The two cute, yet heavyweight pandas came to Australia from the Wolong Giant Panda Research Centre after their home was destroyed in an earthquake. This adorable pair is undoubtedly the star of the show.
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2. The South-East Asian Wing (Immersion Longhouse) and the African Wing
Next, you can visit the South-East Asia section to take a look at some of the beauties of the region: the sun bear, the Sumatran tiger, the siamang, the Sumatran Orangutan, Asian Small-clawed Otters, the Asian tapir, Binturong, the red panda, and white-cheeked gibbon, among other animals and birds.
The African wing houses the African Lion, Black-and-white Colobus, Meerkats, Cheetahs, and many other animals.
3. The Australian Wing and Other Enclosures
The native Australian animals include different species of Kangaroos, Wombat, Tammar Wullaby, etc.
But that is not all. The other Adelaide zoo animals include different types of Tamarin, Long-nosed Potoroo, Little Penguin, Maned wolf, Pygmy hippopotamus, Rhino Iguana, etc. All the animals are kept in large enclosures to give them enough space to move around.
There is a Children’s zoo for the children to spend time with more than 120 animals. Kids are allowed to touch and pet a Kangaroo, feed a deer and have a gala time with our furry friends.
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4. Walk Through Aviaries
There are three walk-through aviaries in the Adelaide zoo where a visitor gets the opportunity to get up, close and personal with the numerous species of birds in the aviaries. The bird exhibits successfully recreate the kind of habitat in which the different species of birds live. The water birds are kept in lagoons and tiny pond, desert-dwelling birds are showcased in a typical desert type environment, and the birds that belong to rainforests are kept in aviaries that give the feel and look of a real rainforest. The collection of birds is enormous and beautiful and is an experience that must not be missed out.
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5. Nature’s Playground
Let your hair down after visiting the animal exhibits in the zoo’s nature’s playground. This one-of-a-kind playground includes play equipment that have been built on the play principles of Mother Nature and that stimulate all the senses of a human. It includes climbing structures, water games, aerial walkways and a natural creek bed too. It is suitable for people of all ages. There is a parents’ room and a disability-friendly toilet in the playground too.
The Envirodome is an educational facility that was opened in 2009. It is a place where you can go to learn more about environmental conservation and view climate changes features and exhibits.
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6. Places to Host Events and Ceremonies
The Adelaide zoo also houses different unique locations to host various events like a product launch and functions like a wedding reception, birthday party, etc. The Bamboo Forest Pavilion is an excellent place to dine with your loved one, the Immersion Longhouse that is surrounded by the tiger and orang-utan exhibits, is an excellent outdoor location to host an event, The Sir Thomas Elder Rotunda is another excellent heritage site inside the zoo to host your event. Some of the other designated places inside the Adelaide zoo to host functions and events are the Sanctuary Adelaide Zoo, Fig Tree Function Centre, and the Central Lawns.
There is a lot more that one can do at the zoo besides the general tour. The Adelaide zoo events include a visit to the Bug Barn, the Nocturnal House, and the Reptile House. You can also signup for the zookeeper’s talks, behind the scenes experience tour, wild nights sleepovers, and animal feedings tour.
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7. Restaurants and Cafes
Meanwhile, if you get hungry during your zoo tour and after letting your hair down at the Nature’s Playground, there’s the Wisteria restaurant where you can drop in for a snack. There are other cafes like the Fig Tree Cafe where you can drop by to grab a quick meal or breakfast. Should you wish to take a small souvenir back home for family and friends, there is a souvenir shop on the premises too.
8. Adelaide Zoo Ticket Prices And Timings
The zoo ticket price is $36 (INR 2577) for adults and children above 15 years. However, you can avail of great discounts on the tickets if you book online.
The zoo is open from 9:30 am to 5 pm every day of the year, including public holidays. The best time to visit is in the spring season. For details on the different tours and customized packages, you can visit the official site of the Adelaide zoo.
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Thus, Adelaide is a heaven for wine lovers, the party animals can hop into the numerous pubs and bars and dance the night away. This zoo in Adelaide is undoubtedly one of the most visited one in the country. Right from its exotic pandas to an array of lions and tigers, this zoo houses some of the most exciting events in the city. Thus, it is a must to add it to your trip toAustralia.
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