National Zoo & Aquarium — Zoo & Aquarium in Australian Capital Territory

National Zoo & Aquarium and its collection

National Zoo & Aquarium is a mixed in District of Molonglo Valley, Australia.

It sits in Yarralumla at the west end of Lake Burley Griffin, beside Scrivener Dam.

History

It absorbed the original National Aquarium, which had opened on 31 May 1990 holding about 30 species around a 1.5 million litre tank; the underwater tunnel there was built by a Canberra firm and said to be the first of its kind. An open-range extension of 12 hectares opened in May 2017.

Animals and collection

Australian mammals on show run to koalas, wombats, dingos, kangaroos, wallabies and Tasmanian devils; Winnie, said to have been the oldest wombat in captivity, was kept here until her death in 2019. The carnivore collection covers cheetahs, servals, Sri Lankan leopards, tigers of both the Sumatran and Bengal subspecies, and African lions, one of them white-coated.

Exhibits

Its exhibits include AdventureLand Playground & Dinosaurs and Capybara Event Centre.

Things to do

Things to do include Lion Encounter, Tiger Encounter, Giraffe Encounter, Rhino Encounter and Cheetah Experiences.

What the venue says

• Giraffe Encounter
• The primary dining outlet, located at the Viewing Park near the main playground and entry
• Parking is generally available near the start of both sections.
• Carers with ID receive free entry with their client.
• COMPANION CARD holders receive free entry, as well as their Carer.
• Mobility scooters are also available for hire - $30 for 4 hours ($20 for members)