THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Get close to Australia’s tallest land animals with the Giraffe Encounter at National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra. Feed and interact with majestic giraffes under expert supervision in a safe, open range setting.
Get close to Australia’s tallest land animals with the Giraffe Encounter at National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra. Feed and interact with majestic giraffes under expert supervision in a safe, open range setting.
Book with National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra
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Operated by National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra · Yarralumla, Australian Capital Territory
Situated in Yarralumla within the Australian Capital Territory, the National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra offers a hands-on wildlife experience like no other with its Giraffe Encounter. This unique activity invites visitors aged six and up to step onto a raised platform within the zoo’s open range area and get face-to-face with Shaba and Mzungu, two elegant giraffes. Under the guidance of an experienced Keeper, guests feed these tall, gentle herbivores, watching as their long tongues expertly pluck leaves from outstretched hands. This close interaction offers an unfiltered glimpse into the behavior and grace of these charismatic animals, making it a standout wildlife experience in the region.
The zoo itself occupies a verdant setting featuring open enclosures that mirror the natural habitats of its animals as closely as possible. The giraffe paddock is especially distinctive, designed to give these tallest land animals ample space to roam while enabling visitors to engage safely from the elevated platform. Beyond giraffes, the zoo hosts an array of native and exotic species, presenting an invaluable conservation and education resource important to local biodiversity efforts.
What makes the National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra’s Giraffe Encounter truly special is its intimate scale and expert-led nature, distinguishing it from typical behind-glass zoo experiences found elsewhere. This encounter invites curiosity and fosters a tangible respect for wildlife, perfect for families or travelers interested in authentic animal interactions without the tourist trappings.
Located just 7 kilometers from Canberra’s city center, the zoo is easily accessible for day trips and an integral part of the region’s outdoor and environmental education landscape. The Giraffe Encounter lasts about 15 minutes and is suited to those with minimal physical demands, making it inclusive for many visitors. For those drawn to hands-on wildlife moments in Australia’s capital, this experience creates lasting memories and highlights the importance of species protection through engagement and education.
easy.
15 minutes.
Suitable for most visitors including children aged 6+; requires standing and balance on a platform.
Yes, children aged 6 and older can participate, but those under 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Yes, zoo entry is not included in the encounter price and must be purchased separately.
The feeding session typically lasts about 15 minutes.
Yes, photography is encouraged but please be respectful to the keepers and animals.
The platform requires standing and climbing stairs; accessibility may be limited for some visitors.
Direct touching is limited; feeding is done under supervision and contact is gentle and controlled.
Established in 1990, the National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra was created to promote conservation education within Australia's capital region.
The zoo actively participates in breeding programs and educates visitors on wildlife preservation, minimizing environmental footprint through sustainable practices.
National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra is a combined zoo and aquarium located in Yarralumla, Australian Capital Territory. The facility offers a wide range of animal encounters, conservation-focused tours, educational programs and family experiences. Visitors can choose from short, guided encounters—such as 15-minute sessions with sun bears, cheetahs or tigers—to longer interactive tours including family Wonders of Wildlife and full-day conservation experiences. The venue provides school-focused keeper-for-a-day programs for primary and high school students that teach animal care, feeding and enrichment skills in structured three‑hour and longer sessions. Birthday packages and private event options are available, including Adventureland and Safari Extravaganza birthday packages that combine guided animal interactions, activity packs and catering choices suited to groups and children. General admission grants access to exhibits spanning African savannah species, Asian carnivores, Australian native animals and aquatic displays, while specialised encounters let small groups meet animals like giraffes, rhinos, meerkats and ruffed lemurs under staff supervision. Conservation, animal welfare and education are central to the institution’s offerings. Keeper-guided experiences are led by trained staff and focus on species-specific care, enrichment and conservation messaging. Tickets, encounter bookings and school program details are published by the National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra and should be checked on official channels for current availability and age guidelines. The facility’s location in Canberra makes it accessible to visitors throughout the Australian Capital Territory and nearby regions. Encounter opportunities include named animals such as Arataki and Otay the sun bears and Solo the cheetah when available. Attendance depends on bookings.
Book with National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra