National Zoo & Aquarium
Australia·Zoo and Aquarium·20th Century
The National Zoo & Aquarium is a privately owned zoo and aquarium located in Canberra, Australia, on the western edge of Lake Burley Griffin. It features a diverse collection of Australian and exotic animals, including the largest collection of big cats in Australia, and plays a role in conservation efforts through breeding programs.
Key Facts
- ›The zoo spans 19 hectares (47 acres), with an additional 12 hectares (30 acres) of open range exhibits added in 2017.
- ›It is a privately owned, family-run business that receives no government support.
- ›The zoo houses the largest collection of big cats in Australia.
- ›It offers a variety of interactive tours and educational programs for visitors of all ages.
- ›The National Zoo & Aquarium is an accredited member of the Zoo and Aquarium Association of Australasia (ZAA).
Open Range Exhibits, Aquarium, Big Cat Enclosures, Walk-Through Viewing Tunnel
Tigon, White Coat African Lions, Sumatran Tigers, Bengal Tigers, Sri Lankan Leopards, Komodo Dragon, Winnie the Wombat
Breeding Programs For Endangered Species
About National Zoo & Aquarium
The National Zoo & Aquarium is a privately owned zoological and aquarium facility located in Canberra, Australia. Established in 1990, it has grown significantly over the years, with a major expansion in 2017 tripling its size and adding extensive open-range exhibits.
History and Ownership
The facility began as the National Aquarium on May 31, 1990, developed by Geoff Da Deppo. It was the largest private tourism development in the Australian Capital Territory at the time, featuring a large aquarium with an underwater walk-through viewing tunnel. The venture faced financial difficulties, leading to receivership in 1991 before being purchased by Rod Hanstein in 1992. During this period, the aquarium was converted to freshwater, and the facility was renamed the National Aquarium – Australian Wildlife Sanctuary. In 1998, the Tindale family acquired the property. They undertook significant repairs and renovations, including modifying the original large aquarium, which had developed concrete cancer. The zoo saw further development with new enclosures for bears and big cats, eventually being renamed the National Zoo & Aquarium in 2001.
Operations and Features
Owned by Canberra businessman Richard Tindale, the National Zoo & Aquarium operates as a predominantly family-run business and relies on public entry fees, receiving no government or Commonwealth support. It is home to a wide variety of Australian endemic species and introduced animals. Notably, it houses the largest collection of big cats in Australia. The aquarium component features a diverse range of tropical marine and freshwater fish, as well as several shark species. Educational programs, interactive tours, and animal experiences are key offerings for visitors, with activities also provided during school holidays.
Conservation and Accommodation
The National Zoo & Aquarium is actively involved in breeding programs for endangered species. A unique aspect of its operations is Jamala Wildlife Lodge, offering luxury overnight accommodation within the zoo grounds, with funds raised contributing to conservation charities and breeding programs. The zoo is an accredited member of the Zoo and Aquarium Association of Australasia (ZAA).
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the National Zoo & Aquarium located?
The National Zoo & Aquarium is situated in Yarralumla, within the Australian capital city of Canberra. It is positioned at the western end of Lake Burley Griffin, adjacent to Scrivener Dam.
Who owns the National Zoo & Aquarium?
The zoo is privately owned by Canberra businessman Richard Tindale and is primarily operated as a family-run business. It does not receive any funding from the government.
What types of animals can be found at the National Zoo & Aquarium?
The zoo features a wide array of animals, including Australian native species like dingos, kangaroos, and Tasmanian devils, as well as exotic animals such as lions, tigers, leopards, and various primate species. The aquarium section showcases diverse marine and freshwater fish, including sharks.
Does the National Zoo & Aquarium have any special exhibits or features?
Yes, the zoo boasts the largest collection of big cats in Australia and includes an aquarium. A significant expansion in 2017 added 12 hectares of open range exhibits. It also offers unique overnight accommodation at Jamala Wildlife Lodge.
What is the history of the National Zoo & Aquarium?
The site originally opened as the National Aquarium on May 31, 1990, and underwent several ownership changes and name alterations, including 'National Aquarium – Australian Wildlife Sanctuary,' before being purchased by the Tindale family in 1998. It was renamed the National Zoo & Aquarium in 2001 after extensive renovations and new exhibit constructions.
Does the zoo participate in conservation efforts?
Yes, the National Zoo & Aquarium is involved in a number of breeding programs for endangered species. Funds raised from its operations, particularly from Jamala Wildlife Lodge, are directed towards various conservation charities and endangered species breeding programs.
Related Zoos
Australian Reptile Park
The Australian Reptile Park is a significant wildlife sanctuary located in Somersby, New South Wales, Australia. It is renowned for its extensive reptile collection and its crucial role in venom collection for antivenom production, having saved thousands of lives. The park also houses a diverse array of Australian mammals and birds, alongside engaging educational programs.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Currumbin, Queensland, Australia, is a renowned zoological garden and major nature-based tourist attraction. It is globally recognized for its unique feeding of large flocks of wild rainbow lorikeets and for housing one of the world's most extensive collections of Australian native species. The sanctuary plays a significant role in Queensland's tourism history, evolving from a small lorikeet-feeding site to an internationally recognized conservation and wildlife presentation facility.
Taronga Zoo
Taronga Zoo Sydney is a government-run public zoo situated in Mosman, New South Wales, Australia, offering panoramic views of Sydney Harbour. Opened in 1916, it is managed by the Zoological Parks Board of New South Wales and is dedicated to conservation, education, and scientific research, housing over 5,000 animals across approximately 350 species.