Have you ever dreamed of feeding a giraffe, meeting a sun bear up close, or coming face-to-face with a majestic tiger? Perth Zoo’s Close Encounters program transforms these dreams into reality, offering extraordinary opportunities to meet some of the zoo’s most fascinating residents in intimate, guided experiences that go well beyond the regular zoo visit.
These special encounters take you behind the scenes where you’ll learn directly from experienced zoo keepers who share their knowledge and passion for wildlife conservation. Each encounter is thoughtfully designed to provide meaningful interactions while ensuring the comfort and well-being of both animals and visitors.
For families with young children, the Bush Buddies encounter provides a perfect introduction to Australian wildlife. During this gentle 15-minute experience, participants meet native animals such as kangaroos, echidnas, and quokkas in a controlled environment. Running every Wednesday at 10:30am, this encounter is suitable for all ages and provides a wonderful opportunity for children to develop an appreciation for our native wildlife.
The zoo offers an impressive range of other encounters for those seeking unique wildlife experiences. You might find yourself feeding giraffes from an elevated platform, getting close to African painted dogs, or learning about sun bears. For those interested in reptiles, the Galapagos tortoise encounter provides fascinating insights into these ancient creatures. The orangutan, tiger, and red panda encounters offer rare opportunities to learn about some of the world’s most endangered species from those who know them best.
For wildlife enthusiasts seeking a more immersive experience, Perth Zoo offers several premium options. The Early Morning Savannah Walk provides a unique perspective on African wildlife before the zoo opens to the general public. The Be a Keeper programs, including a specialized primates option, offer behind-the-scenes glimpses into the daily lives of zoo keepers and their important work in animal care and conservation.
All encounters require advance booking and are in addition to general zoo admission. Participants should arrive at least 15 minutes before their scheduled time and wear closed-in shoes for safety. Weather-appropriate clothing is recommended, and don’t forget your camera to capture these memorable moments. Each encounter has specific requirements and restrictions, so it’s advisable to check these details when booking.
These Close Encounters not only provide extraordinary experiences for visitors but also support Perth Zoo’s vital conservation work. Every encounter includes educational components about wildlife conservation and the challenges facing various species in the wild, helping to create deeper connections between people and wildlife while supporting the zoo’s mission of protecting endangered species.
For current pricing, specific age restrictions, and availability of each encounter, please contact Perth Zoo directly as these details may change seasonally.
Find out more on Close Encounter experiences at Perth Zoo here.
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Amanda Carlin has her own food and travel blog. Established in 2013, “The Chef, His Wife and Their Perth-fect Life” has enjoyed an exciting name change in 2021, as “The Chef’s Ex-wife” embarks on new adventures with Simply PERTHfect. Amanda loves getting out and about in Perth and WA, as well as brunching, tapas or something a little fancy in equal measures. With her son “Little Chef” in tow, Amanda always has plenty of family friendly eating options to recommend too! Be sure to check out Simply PERTHfect.
[…] for all Dads this Father’s Day from 9am! Why not make Dad’s visit extra special by booking a Close Encounter? You can get up close and personal with a giraffe, orangutan, Rhinoceros and many more. Find out […]