Wellington Zoo, Wellington

Wellington Zoo, New Zealand's oldest surviving zoo, was founded in 1906, following a petition by local residents to the Wellington City Council. The initiative gained momentum with the donation of a young lion named "King Dick" by the Bostock and Wombwell Circus, marking the beginning of the zoo's animal collection. Initially located in the Wellington Botanical Gardens, the zoo quickly moved to its current location in Newtown Park in 1907. The early years saw rapid expansion, with significant donations such as two axis deer and six Himalayan thar from the Duke of Bedford in 1908, leading to a diverse collection of over 500 animals by 1912.

Throughout the decades, Wellington Zoo has undergone numerous transformations. The interwar period saw the introduction of new species and the construction of modern enclosures. Despite a temporary halt in development during WWII, the post-war era marked significant growth, including the arrival of notable animals and the end of chimp tea parties, reflecting a shift towards more ethical animal treatment and habitat simulation.

The 1970s brought a renewed focus on New Zealand's indigenous species, highlighted by the opening of the zoo's first nocturnal house. The 1980s and beyond saw a move towards modern, naturalistic enclosures and a focus on endangered species, alongside the initiation of breeding programs for native animals like the kiwi and tuatara.

Recent developments have included the introduction of the Asia section in 2012, showcasing the Malayan Sun Bear and Sumatran Tiger exhibits, and the launch of "Meet the Locals" in 2015, celebrating New Zealand's native species. The addition of the kea aviary walk-through experience in 2017 further emphasized the zoo's commitment to immersive and educational encounters.

Operating as a not-for-profit charitable trust since 2003, Wellington Zoo continues to evolve, prioritizing conservation, education, and the welfare of its inhabitants, while serving as a beloved destination for both locals and visitors.