Be a keeper at Auckland Zoo these holidays

Auckland Zoo is offering youngsters a unique opportunity to role-play being a zookeeper, vet and other Zoo workers, by taking part in its ‘Replay The Zoo’ programme these October holidays from 29 September until 14 October.

“All those kids out there who love watching The Zoo show on television can come and experience a little of what we do, find out why we love it so much, and hopefully be inspired to get involved in animal conservation themselves,” says senior primate keeper, Christine Tintinger, a regular on The Zoo.

At the Zoo’s Conservation Centre in Te Wao Nui and its orangutan viewing platform, participants will be able to role-play doing field conservation in New Zealand and Sumatra. At the vet centre, there’ll be the opportunity to dress as a vet and have a go at diagnosing what’s ailing one of the Zoo’s red pandas.

In addition, kids will be able to chat to keepers, vets and other Zoo staff at regular Q & A sessions, try their hand at solving behavioural enrichment puzzles Zoo volunteers make for the animals, and be a horticulturist by taking part in ‘Project Munch’ at KidZone.

There will also be a fun craft activity themed around one of the Zoo’s exotic breeding programmes and, at the Old Elephant House, the opportunity to take a break from Zoo work, and sit back and enjoy watching past episodes of The Zoo show.

‘Replay The Zoo’ offers an adventurous action-packed day for all the family – everyday from Saturday 29 September until Sunday 14 October (9.30am – 5.30pm). Normal Zoo admission prices apply. Visit www.aucklandzoo.co.nz