MEDIA RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 2017

$2 Entry at Zealandia and Wellington Zoo

Wellington, NZ - Next weekend two of Wellington's top nature attractions are opening their doors to locals for just a couple of dollars! Open Weekend is back, and on the 27th & 28th May people will be able to visit Zealandia and Wellington Zoo for a $2 donation per person at each attraction.

The proceeds from the $2 donations will go towards Zealandia’s ongoing conservation efforts and to Wellington Zoo’s Conservation Fund that supports local and international field conservation projects to save animals in the wild.

“We have such great communities here in the Wellington region and our Open Weekend is one way for us to thank everyone for their ongoing support,” said Zealandia Chief Executive, Paul Atkins. “I love seeing people’s faces light up as they learn more about the native wildlife that’s returning to our region and people’s backyards.”

"Open Weekend is a great opportunity for us to be accessible to our community and allow more people to connect with the animals at Wellington Zoo and learn about how we can all work together to help save them in the wild, says Karen Fifield MNZM, Wellington Zoo Chief Executive.

2017 is the third year that the event will be running over two days instead of one. This provides more opportunity for families to visit both places over the weekend.

Visitors can get the most out of their trip to Wellington Zoo by planning their day around the animal talks – a great way to get up close to animals like critically endangered Sumatran Tigers, Chimpanzees, Sun Bears and Red Pandas and learn more about these amazing animals. This year, visitors can explore Wellington Zoo’s newest Kea walk-through experience in Meet the Locals He Tuku Aroha, and get up close and personal with these intelligent birds.

Mojo Café and The Grazing Post will both be open at Wellington Zoo for visitors to enjoy a delicious lunch, Mojo coffee or a snack. There will be an additional Mojo coffee cart at the entrance to Meet the Locals He Tuku Aroha. Tip Top will also be at the Zoo selling their delicious ice-cream, like the always popular TigerTime flavour, with proceeds going to the Wellington Zoo Conservation Fund.

At Zealandia, visitors can explore Wellington’s 225ha wildlife sanctuary, see New Zealand’s unique native wildlife and learn from experienced guides about the conservation efforts being made to protect our flora & fauna. The award-winning Rata Cafe will also be open, providing healthy sustainable food and drink for visitors.

DETAILS:

Where:
WELLINGTON ZOO, 200 Daniell Street, Newtown, Wellington ZEALANDIA, 53 Waiapu Road, Karori, Wellington

Dates:
Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 May 2017
Hours: 9am – 5pm

Last Entry:
ZEALANDIA: 4pm
WELLINGTON ZOO: 4.15pm

Entry:
$2 donation for entry per person (please bring appropriate change).

Getting there:
Please consider using public transport as we expect both venues to be very busy and car parking to be limited. For your best public transport option see www.metlink.org.nz

ZEALANDIA
We will have free off-site parking available at Cardinal McKeefry School with a shuttle running back and forth throughout the day. There will also be limited free parking around ZEALANDIA on the following streets: Waiapu Street (approx. 110 spaces) Birdwood Street (approx. 40 spaces). Please be cautious of our neighbour's entranceways.

WELLINGTON ZOO
Parking may be difficult as we expect this weekend to be very busy. We encourage all visitors to take the bus to Newtown or park further away and walk to the Zoo. Visit Metlink for bus routes and timetables. Scooters and skateboards are not permitted in the Zoo; please leave them at home as we do not have the space to store these during your visit.

ENDS

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