THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Meet Rocco and Ruby, the Barking Owls, in a thrilling 15-minute up-close encounter at National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra. Feed these apex predators and watch them fly to your arm in an unforgettable wildlife experience.
Meet Rocco and Ruby, the Barking Owls, in a thrilling 15-minute up-close encounter at National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra. Feed these apex predators and watch them fly to your arm in an unforgettable wildlife experience.
Book with National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra
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Operated by National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra · Yarralumla, Australian Capital Territory
Located in Yarralumla within the Australian Capital Territory, the National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra offers an immersive wildlife experience that goes beyond typical zoo visits. Among its standout encounters is the Owl Encounter, where visitors can spend 15 captivating minutes in the presence of Rocco and Ruby, two impressive Barking Owls native to Australia and New Guinea. This hands-on encounter involves entering their spacious aviary to feed these apex predators and witness their aerial agility firsthand as they swoop gracefully to land on your extended arm.
The Barking Owl is a unique nocturnal hunter, recognizable by its distinctive call and stealthy hunting tactics. Meeting these birds in such an intimate setting highlights their vital role in local ecosystems as top-level predators controlling populations of smaller animals. This encounter deepens understanding and appreciation for wildlife conservation efforts critical to maintaining biodiversity within the region. Unlike passive zoo visits, this experience invites active participation, fostering a connection that’s rare to find in urban wildlife settings.
The National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra is more than just a collection of animals; it serves as an educational hub dedicated to conservation and sustainable wildlife management. The setting is designed to reflect natural habitats, helping visitors engage authentically with Australian fauna. Beyond the owls, the facility houses a diverse assemblage of native and exotic species, making it a multi-dimensional adventure destination.
Perfect for families and naturalists alike, the Owl Encounter offers a compelling blend of thrill and education. It requires minimal physical exertion, making it accessible to a wide range of visitors while delivering maximum impact through interaction. Whether you’re a local or visiting Canberra, this encounter sets itself apart as a uniquely tactile way to witness Australia’s wild heritage up close and personal.
easy.
15 minutes.
Suitable for all ages with minimal physical demands; children 10+ can participate with an adult.
No, the Owl Encounter requires a separate zoo admission ticket that must be purchased prior to your visit.
Yes, children aged 10 and older can join, but those under 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Visitors should avoid bright or flashy clothing to prevent distressing the owls; neutral tones are recommended.
The experience lasts approximately 15 minutes, offering ample time for interaction and feeding.
The program is unavailable during the owls’ breeding season, roughly mid-November to early spring.
No prior experience is necessary. All guidance and safety instructions are provided by trained staff.
Established as Australia’s only combined zoo and aquarium, the National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra has been a cornerstone for wildlife preservation since its founding in 1990.
The facility promotes conservation through education and breeding programs focused on vulnerable species like the Barking Owl, emphasizing sustainable wildlife stewardship.
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