Adelaide Zoo

Since Adelaide Zoo first opened in 1883, it has been a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike. With over 2500 animals at the zoo, there will surely be something there to captivate just about everyone.

Over the course of this post we'll tell you about our favourite things, and important information about Adelaide Zoo.

The Education

One thing we love about the Zoo is how much there is to learn. It's a great opportunity to get the kids out of the house and learning about animals, all while having fun. There are a range of keeper talks throughout the day. The keeper talk schedules vary from day to day, so make sure you check the website for up to date information. Some of the animals that have keeper talks are Sumatran Tigers, Australian Sea Lions, the Giant Pandas, plus many more.

As well as keeper talks, there is the Envirodome and A to Zoo Education classes that can book your younger children into. Both of these help to further educate children on the importance of conservation and protecting the environment.

Each animal exhibit also has informative signage to give you basic facts about the animals.

Animal Experiences

With the interactive animal experiences not only do you get the opportunity to see the animals from outside the enclosure, but you can also get a bit closer. An animal experience will certainly add something a little more special to your day.

There are a variety of animals that you can book to spend time with. These experiences range from brief feeding opportunities to entire days of zoo fun as a keeper. Some of the animals at Adelaide Zoo you can do these encounters with are the Meerkats, Giraffes, Lemurs, Lions, and the Giant Pandas.

Make sure you check the website to see what is available, as not all the experiences are available everyday. It is also a good idea to book ahead of time to avoid missing out.

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A Special Function?

There are quite a few spots within Adelaide Zoo that can be hired out for events, functions, and even weddings. Whether you're looking for a small space for a family function, or looking to book out the entire zoo for a huge event, there should be something suitable.

The function areas available include the Rotunda, Fig Tree Function centre, Bamboo Forest Pavilion, Sanctuary, and the Immersion Longhouse. Some of these function areas give you a view of some of the animals in the surrounding exhibits, making your occasion extra special. In addition to these, keeper talks can also be organised for your event.

If you're looking for somewhere extra special to say "I do", there is a special wedding package that includes a ceremony within the zoo, as well as a reception at one of the venues listed. Check the Adelaide Zoo website for current package prices and information.

The Nature Playground

Recently Adelaide Zoo added the nature playground. This wonderful playground adds even more fun to the kid's day, and has been purposefully built to stimulate their imaginations.

The large amount of play equipment helps cater to a range of different age groups, as well as a range of abilities. The facilities available make it an amazing, inclusive, and fun experience for any young adventurer.

Membership and Entry

Ticket prices for entry to the zoo start at $19.80* for children, and $36 for adults, and include entry to the zoo for the day. If you wish to visit Monarto Zoo as well there are also Two Zoo Passes available which work out cheaper to purchase than purchasing tickets to both zoos individually.

If you think you'll be visiting Adelaide and Monarto Zoo several times over a year, then purchasing an annual membership may be the way to go. Memberships start from $50.95* for children, and $108.95 for adults. Memberships last for one year and include other benefits as well as unlimited zoo entry. A membership will also get you discount on animal experiences, discount on purchases with zoo shops, as well as entry into certain out of state zoos.

Also available is a Lifetime Membership that will get you unlimited entry to Adelaide and Monarto Zoo for life. As well as the same benefits you get with an annual membership, you will also get an additional member card and bonus lifetime member items*.

Facilities

When it comes to lunch time, there are several options available. Within the zoo there is the Wisteria Restaurant and the Fig Tree Cafe. Regardless of whether you're looking for a hot meal or ice cream on a hot day, you'll be able to find them here.

If you've brought your own picnic, there are plenty of spots around the zoo to sit down. The best spot in the zoo for picnics is the grass area around the rotunda, and within the rotunda itself. You'll be able to find a nice spot for the whole family to stop for lunch, surrounded by animals.

When the kids start to get tired, they might not want to walk around the entirety of the zoo. To help with this, the zoo has 'Zoobarus' for hire. The zoobarus are cars that children can sit in, that parents can steer and navigate around the zoo with. This stops the little ones getting so tired, and also adds to their fun and adventure for the day. Hire of the cars is $15* for the day.

Before you leave the zoo, don't forget to check out the zoo shop. There are heaps of amazing zoo themed items available for purchase. These purchases are a great way to remember your day, as well as financially contributing to the conservation efforts of the zoo.

Other Information

Adelaide Zoo is open from 9:30am to 5pm every day of the year. Whether its a regular Saturday or Christmas Day, the zoo will be open with animals ready to see you.

There is ample parking on Plane Tree Drive out the front of the zoo, with ticketed parking for up to 10 hours available.

While the zoo has made every effort to be wheelchair accessible and inclusive, unfortunately due to strict quarantine regulations service animals are not allowed within the zoo. This is for the safety of both the animals in the zoo, and the service animal.

What You Can Do to Help the Zoo

The Zoos SA team work tirelessly to ensure that endangered and threatened species remain protected. If you'd like to help with this there are a couple of options to do so. One is to head to the Zoos SA website and make a donation. These donations go towards running conservation projects and protecting threatened species.

If you'd like to support an animal at the zoo there is also the option of animal adoption. You can choose a species of animal at the zoo to "adopt" where the funds you donate will go towards the care of the animal chosen. This money can go towards food, vet care, and breeding programs.

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So if you're wanting to take your kids to see the cutest animals around, make sure you stop in at Adelaide Zoo. Not only will you get to have fun, but you'll also being supporting important conservation projects. This amazing, and educational experience will be fun for the whole family.

If you have somewhere else you think we should write about, let us know. We're always on the lookout for new places to visit. You can message us through our contact form, leave a comment here, or contact us through social media.

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Adelaide Zoo - Explore Adelaide

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