Tucked up over the city of Wellington is Zealandia, an ecosanctuary reminiscent of the days before humans arrived in New Zealand. A predator-proof fence surrounds the Zealandia sanctuary, creating an “island” within New Zealand’s capital city and allowing birds and other native creatures to live wild as nature intended. Whether you are a nature or …
Kiwi Bird
Wildlife Encounters at Orana Park in Christchurch New Zealand
If you think all zoos are alike, you haven’t yet been to Orana Park in Christchurch. Here, at New Zealand’s only open range zoo, endangered animals live in open enclosures emulating their natural habitat. The wildlife encounters are close up and personal, with safety being paramount. Imagine looking into the eyes of a white rhino while …
Little Spotted Kiwi Birds Return to Shakespear Regional Park in Auckland, New Zealand
For the first time since the late 19th century, little spotted kiwi birds roam free on New Zealand’s mainland. The celebration and release of twenty kiwi birds at Shakespear Regional Park was an event more than five years in the making. It’s a dream made possible by a lot of hard work, planning, and protecting by …
Unique Animals at Wellington Zoo, including New Zealand’s Only Bear
Wellington Zoo calls itself the “Best Little Zoo in the World,” and they just might be accurate. Having lived most of my life near large cities with somewhat famous zoos, I thought I had seen it all. Not so. The Wellington Zoo offers many surprises and is worth a visit. We had perfect weather on …
