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Step beyond the public exhibits and into a hands-on adventure at the National Zoo’s Curious Creatures Tour in Yarralumla. Discover how keepers enrich animal lives through creative toys and training sessions in this exclusive two-hour experience.
Step beyond the public exhibits and into a hands-on adventure at the National Zoo’s Curious Creatures Tour in Yarralumla. Discover how keepers enrich animal lives through creative toys and training sessions in this exclusive two-hour experience.
Book with National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra
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Operated by National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra · Yarralumla, Australian Capital Territory
Located in Yarralumla, within the Australian Capital Territory, the Curious Creatures Tour offers an immersive experience unlike any other at the National Zoo. This two-hour behind-the-scenes adventure invites visitors aged five and up to step beyond the typical zoo visit and interact directly with the dedicated keepers who care for the animals daily. From creating custom toys and nutritious treats to witnessing training sessions up close, this tour brings you into the intimate world of animal enrichment—an essential part of animal welfare that keeps the creatures mentally and physically stimulated.
The National Zoo in Yarralumla is celebrated for its commitment to conservation education and authentic animal care, making it a standout destination in the region. Unlike conventional zoo tours, the Curious Creatures Tour focuses on the ‘why’ and ‘how’ behind animal enrichment, giving guests a hands-on role in enhancing the wellbeing of species ranging from nimble primates to stealthy reptiles. The keepers share their expert knowledge on behavioral cues, habitat design, and dietary needs, offering visitors rare insight into the daily lives of these fascinating inhabitants.
Visitors often marvel at the unique opportunity to contribute to enrichment, such as assembling puzzles and treat dispensers that encourage natural behaviors. This engagement fosters a deeper emotional connection with wildlife and highlights the subtle complexities of captive animal care. As you progress through the tour, you’ll gain appreciation for both the animals’ personalities and the scientific methods keepers employ to simulate wild environments.
Yarralumla’s National Zoo itself is known for embedding sustainability in its operations, including habitat restoration and native species protection, which the tour touches on in contextual discussions. This adds a meaningful layer to your visit as you come to grasp the zoo’s role in broader conservation efforts.
For families, educators, and animal lovers, the Curious Creatures Tour is more than an outing; it’s an education in empathy, conservation, and the spirited lives of some of Australia’s most intriguing creatures. The hands-on nature, coupled with uncovering behind-the-scenes secrets, ensures that your visit will be memorable long after your walk through the gates.
Yes, children aged 5 and older can participate, making it a family-friendly experience.
While hands-on interaction is limited for safety, you’ll assist with making enrichment items and observe training up close.
Eating and drinking during the tour are generally discouraged to maintain cleanliness and animal safety.
Photography is allowed, but flash and close-up contact with animals should be avoided to prevent distress.
Bookings are made online via the National Zoo’s official booking platform; advance reservations are recommended.
The tour proceeds rain or shine with some activities adapted for wet conditions, so dress accordingly.
National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra is a combined zoo and aquarium located in Yarralumla, Australian Capital Territory. The facility offers a wide range of animal encounters, conservation-focused tours, educational programs and family experiences. Visitors can choose from short, guided encounters—such as 15-minute sessions with sun bears, cheetahs or tigers—to longer interactive tours including family Wonders of Wildlife and full-day conservation experiences. The venue provides school-focused keeper-for-a-day programs for primary and high school students that teach animal care, feeding and enrichment skills in structured three‑hour and longer sessions. Birthday packages and private event options are available, including Adventureland and Safari Extravaganza birthday packages that combine guided animal interactions, activity packs and catering choices suited to groups and children. General admission grants access to exhibits spanning African savannah species, Asian carnivores, Australian native animals and aquatic displays, while specialised encounters let small groups meet animals like giraffes, rhinos, meerkats and ruffed lemurs under staff supervision. Conservation, animal welfare and education are central to the institution’s offerings. Keeper-guided experiences are led by trained staff and focus on species-specific care, enrichment and conservation messaging. Tickets, encounter bookings and school program details are published by the National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra and should be checked on official channels for current availability and age guidelines. The facility’s location in Canberra makes it accessible to visitors throughout the Australian Capital Territory and nearby regions. Encounter opportunities include named animals such as Arataki and Otay the sun bears and Solo the cheetah when available. Attendance depends on bookings.
Book with National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra