Things to do in Wellington. Wellington Zoo!

Located just 6km from UniLodge Stafford House, New Zealand’s first zoo (1906) provides an opportunity to see a wide range of animals up close. Lions, tigers, giraffes, lemurs, meerkats, chimpanzees, red pandas, monkeys, and even snow leopards are among the many fascinating creatures you will encounter. The zoo also offers special experiences (optional extra and pre-book) like guided close encounters with the animals, which can make your visit even more memorable. 
When planning your trip to the zoo, here are some tips to keep in mind: 

1. Consider bringing your own lunch (a great way to save some cash!) to enjoy in one of the picnic areas.
2. Visit on weekdays if you want to avoid larger crowds.
3. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, as the zoo requires quite a bit of walking.
4. If it fits your budget, consider taking part in one of the special experiences.
5. Check the website's "Plan Your Day" page for information about the various animal sessions available (currently 10 per day). 

If you really love the zoo, check out the Zoo Crew memberships where you can unlimited entry for 12 months! 
Wellington Zoo offers other great initiatives like zoo sleepovers (min. 20 people) There is a great page on the zoo’s website that talks about their strategy and values. Another must read for animal lovers is the projects that Wellington Zoo undertakes to help save wildlife and wild places.

Here are some fast facts about just three animals you will see at Wellington Zoo.

1. Giraffes only need between 10 minutes and two hours of sleep each day! They spend most of their time eating leaves, twigs, fruit and grass!
2. The ostrich is the largest living bird in the world, weighing up to 140kg and standing as tall as 2.5m. They can also reach speeds of up to 70km/h!
3. Snow leopards can leap up to 9m and are skilled climbers. 

How about that? Now you can share those fast facts with your friends and if you visit a zoo you can do your own fast facts list! If you are an animal lover or simply want a great day out, a visit to Wellington Zoo is a memorable experience that you won’t forget!