Adelaide Zoo launches new Variety Children’s Zoo

Adelaide Zoo has recently opened their new Variety Children’s Zoo, a $1.1 million precinct built in partnership with the Variety Children’s Charity of South Australia, which offers children the opportunity to gain insights into the behavioural traits of animals such as goats, chickens, quokkas, rabbits, guinea pigs and other sociable animals through imaginatively designed features and dedicated shows led by the Nature Theatre team.

Nic Bishop, Nature Theatre Manager advised that “the relationship that children can build with animals creates meaningful outcomes that they can then use with their pets at home.

“Ultimately, the Variety Children’s Zoo provides kids with the chance to put the building blocks for future conservation goals in place.”

Families will enter Adelaide Zoo’s latest play space via new pathways and several aerial walkways, designed to cater for all abilities and ages and accessible from the ever-popular children’s Nature Playground.

Zoos SA's Senior Communications Coordinator Michelle Hubbard noted: “The Variety Children’s Zoo promises the kind of animal encounters of which children love and never tire. A bonus for adults, is that it is conveniently located next to the popular Nature’s Playground with the nearby café serving up a range of drinks, snacks and importantly much-needed coffee.”

Bishop added that the Variety Children’s Zoo will be “an amazing play space for kids filled with interactive areas that allow them to get closer than ever to nature and some of the zoo’s most popular residents.

“The new kids’ zoo experience is very much about ‘do try this at home.’

“Kids will learn that animals are willing to cooperate with us if we give them a great environment to learn in, coupled with positive reinforcement. They can then take what they learn and apply it to their own pets, teaching kids about animal welfare in a way that is fun and educational.

“The goats will show off their amazing balancing and rock-climbing skills by using enrichment equipment such as balance beams, seesaws, ladders and even trampolines.  While the chickens will have their love of brain and body-workouts quenched by learning how to use a specially designed chicken swing.

Bishop continued: “Meaningful connection with nature is one of the many reasons Adelaide Zoo is a must-visit for kids these school holidays. There are many different ways we can connect, one of which is caring for animals.

A partnership with the Variety Children’s Charity of South Australia means this exciting new children’s zoo will see children of all abilities get up close and experience the unique talents, traits and tricks of their furry and feathered friends as well as learning important messages about the role animal care plays in worldwide conservation but also at home.

Variety SA Chief Executive Mark McGill added: "We are so excited to see the opening of the Variety Children’s Zoo. It means that children of all abilities will continue to find new ways to explore and build on their connection with nature."

For more information go to https://www.adelaidezoo.com.au/childrens-zoo/ for more information.

Image: KIDDO Mag and Meaghan Coles @meaghan_coles_photography