Home to lions, kangaroos and more than 600,000 visitors a year, Perth Zoo plays a major role in both Australian and international wildlife conservation. The site is made up of three main zones, each with its own unique theme. The Australian Walkabout celebrates all things native, while the Asian Rainforest is home to exotic animals like elephants, orangutans, Sumatran tigers, Javan gibbons and red pandas. Venture into the African Savannah and lions, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes and hyenas await.
All enclosures are inspired by the native habitats of their animals and are designed to emphasise and encourage natural behaviours. Throughout the day keepers offer fascinating talks, encounters and feeding demonstrations to enhance the visitor experience. With its lush surrounds and landscaped gardens, Perth Zoo is not only a great place to get up close with animals but is also home to some gorgeous picnic spots.
The zoo is located in South Perth, which makes it a short 5-minute drive from the CBD. It’s well serviced by public buses, with some visitors choosing to catch a ferry from Perth’s Barrack Street Jetty. From Mends Street Jetty it’s a short walk to the zoo entrance. Once inside, the self-guided Heritage Trail is a great way to discover the zoo’s past and admire its historical buildings and enclosures.
The zoo has been operating since 1898, though standards have come a long way since the late 19th century. Originally it featured a pair of stark bear caves, a small monkey house, a mammal pavilion and a guinea pig castle. Today, it’s home to more than 1,300 animals, 170 species and an impressive botanical catalogue.