Who do? Zoodoo!
A 30 minute drive from the centre of Hobart is a fabulous zoo called Zoodoo. Zoodoo offers up close encounters (as part of its entry) that you will long remember.
Where: 620 Middle Tea Tree Road, Richmond TASMANIA
When: 9am – 5pm daily (except Good Friday and Christmas day)
Cost: Adult $25, child $13
Review
It’s easy to experience the whole of Zoodoo in one visit – there are plenty of interactive animal opportunities and a variety of animals to meet. We certainly enjoyed exploring the different attractions and also hearing the staff speak about some of the animals at the various keeper talks throughout our visit.
Zoodoo is a bit old school in regards to some of the exhibits (the reptile room was a bit stinky and shabby and there was little attempt to conceal the reality that is a lion’s cage) but I guess on some level that gave the whole experience a dose of reality.
On one hand it was thrilling to be up close to the lion’s – to actually feed one and see the cubs at play. On the other hand you had to feel that they lacked space to really roam and must get bored – I am sure my little moggy would cover more territory in a day than those guys. I am no lion expert but they seem content enough.. they were in beautiful condition so I’d like to imagine that they have a cushy life compared to their wild cousins…
One of the highlights of our visit was the safari bus tour – where we got to feed emus and ostriches as well as pat zebras and camels. It was quite a rush to have the big birds racing up to swam the bus for food!
We packed our own lunch to enjoy at one of the many picnic tables – but there is also a small cafe on site and BBQ facilities.
The mini reviewers and I gave this the thumbs up – maybe we wished some of the monkeys had nicer enclosures and the meerkats some heaters, but over all you could feel that the staff were really dedicated and passionate about the animals – and with so many up close encounters included in our entry it was an experience we will long remember.
