Zoo Stories

Get ready for spooktacular fun at Boo at the Zoo on November 2nd! Hamilton Zoo is staying open until 7pm (last entry 6pm) for some extra fun! Come dressed in your best costume for a chance to win an exciting animal encounter for four!

Did you know that Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park gets around 3000 cat visits every week? These uninvited guests pose a serious threat to our native wildlife. To combat this, we’re in the process of securing the necessary funds to construct a Predator Proof Fence.

At Hamilton Zoo, we're more than just a home for our resident animals—we're a lifeline for native wildlife in need. Our dedicated vet team works hard to provide expert care to injured wild animals, specializing in native species that require unique and highly skilled treatment.

At Hamilton Zoo, we're proud to play a vital role in conservation through the Breed for Release programme for New Zealand Kākā. By breeding these beautiful birds in the free-flight aviary, we help bolster their numbers in the wild, ensuring they can thrive despite threats like predators and pests.

Hamilton Zoo is excited to welcome a new species to the Zoo whaanau. Say hello to the Caracal, a stunning medium-sized cat with origins in Africa, the Middle East and parts of Asia.

Our Tiger twins are now just over two weeks old, happy, healthy and growing fast.​

​But... what gender do you think they are?

Hamilton Zoo is delighted to announce the birth of two Sumatran Tiger cubs. Born to Kirana (mother) and Scout (father) in the early hours of 3 January 2024, the cubs are healthy and strong.

A new enclosure open now at Hamilton Zoo will underline the importance of managing pests to protect native species. Designed in the style of a classic tramping hut, the New Zealand Pest Exhibit is home to three ferrets, which are classified as introduced predators in Aotearoa.

Hamilton Zoo’s perfect match, Sumatran tigers Kirana, 9, and Scout,7, have been working hard to conserve their species, but not as hard as the zoo hoped.

It’s potentially a girl! Hamilton Zoo Zebra mare Marbles, 20, and stud Malawi, 11, are proud parents of a three-week-old foal.

The Director and staff of Hamilton Zoo are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Murray Powell (1931-2023), the founder of Hamilton Zoo.

Hamilton Zoo is excited to welcome three new residents: including a breeding male Sumatran tiger, Scout, a siamang gibbon Peggy and a red panda Sang.