Auckland Zoo…We Met Kiwi & Taz!
Grey Lynn, Auckland, New Zealand
October 25, 2023
Mission & Values:
We share our love for wild places and wild life.
Ka aroha nui ki ngā wāhi puihi, ki ngā kararehe puihi hoki.
We are conservation optimists.
Whakanuia te taiao.
We are all kaitiaki (guardians) of the Zoo and the environment.
He kaitiaki tātou katoa.
We stand together.
Ka tū kotahi tātou.
We welcome visitors as friends.
He kaha nō mātou ki te manaaki i ngā manuhiri.
This zoo 1st opened it doors in 1922 and sits on 40 acres near the CBD of Auckland, New Zealand. It is home to 130 species and over 2800 animals. Auckland Zoo is focused on conservation and one of those areas is with the native Kiwi bird. The kiwi is a nocturnal, flightless bird that would be hard to find during the day. Therefore, the zoo built a special Kiwi enclosure that mimics night during the day, completely open aired…when you walk in it’s dark, very dark and quiet! You need to let your eyes adjust and then just sit still and listen for the “snuffling” sound the kiwi makes while out and about. I tell you…it is the CUTEST thing you’ll hear!
As if the Kiwi wasn’t the highlight of our visit, then seeing a Tasmanian Devil was!
My favorite bird, the Tui, first encountered in New Zealand. They literally make sounds like Star Wars movies and have some of the most beautiful colors.
The Glossy Black-Cockatoo, one of the smallest cockatoos and a threatened/vulnerable species in Australia. They can get to 50cm in length and usually quieter than their other family members.
Look at this sweet Momma Orangutan and her little baby. I watched for her for several minutes snuggling and nursing before the Momma pushed her off to go forage for a treat.
Red Panda...this little guy was climbing all over his treehouse. We got lucky to see him when he was awake.
