THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Meet Canberra’s meerkats in a one-of-a-kind 15-minute encounter at the National Zoo and Aquarium. Get up close with these social mammals and learn their unique behaviors with expert guidance.
Meet Canberra’s meerkats in a one-of-a-kind 15-minute encounter at the National Zoo and Aquarium. Get up close with these social mammals and learn their unique behaviors with expert guidance.
Book with National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra · Yarralumla, Australian Capital Territory
Located in Yarralumla, Australian Capital Territory, the National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra offers a unique window into wildlife with its engaging Meerkat Encounter. This 15-minute interactive experience invites visitors to step beyond the viewing glass and meet a mob of lively meerkats up close within their habitat. Known for their curious nature and social behaviors, these small mammals are a highlight for animal lovers seeking an intimate connection with native and exotic species alike.
The encounter is carefully guided by knowledgeable staff who share insights into the personalities and habits of each meerkat. Visitors discover how these cooperative creatures live in tight-knit groups, communicate through subtle gestures, and thrive within the zoo’s thoughtfully recreated environment. The habitat itself reflects the arid landscapes meerkats are native to, evoking the distinct atmosphere of their natural southern African plains, making it a rare opportunity to observe and interact with these animals in Australia’s capital.
What makes the National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra a standout destination is its blend of interactive wildlife experiences with a strong conservation ethic. The zoo emphasizes education and animal welfare, encouraging visitors to understand and respect wildlife beyond a casual glance. The Meerkat Encounter exemplifies this mission by fostering empathy through direct engagement, supported by staff who can answer questions and share conservation stories.
Located just a short drive from Canberra, the zoo complements the region’s outdoor recreation offerings, bridging urban exploration with wildlife discovery. This encounter is ideal for families, small groups, and wildlife enthusiasts seeking a memorable and educational moment. Practical advice for visitors includes wearing enclosed shoes due to the habitat setting and bringing a camera to capture the meerkats’ playful antics. Whether you’re visiting for a day out or looking to add a touch of close-up wildlife interaction to your itinerary, this experience delivers both charm and insight in an accessible, lively setting.
easy.
15 minutes.
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal physical exertion required
Yes, zoo entry must be purchased separately to participate in the Meerkat Encounter.
Participants must be at least 8 years old, and those under 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
The experience lasts approximately 15 minutes.
Yes, guests are encouraged to bring cameras or smartphones to capture their visit.
Yes, advance booking is recommended as spots are limited and fill quickly.
Feeding is supervised and part of the encounter, guided by staff to ensure safety for both visitors and animals.
The National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra has been a key wildlife destination since its founding, dedicated to education and conservation efforts in the ACT region.
The zoo emphasizes sustainable practices, including habitat enrichment and breeding programs aimed at protecting endangered species.
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