Perth Zoo attractions are among the most celebrated wildlife experiences in Australia, offering a powerful blend of education, conservation, and adventure. Nestled just minutes from Perth’s CBD, the zoo spans 17 hectares and welcomes more than 700,000 visitors annually. With over 1,200 animals representing 160 species, this iconic destination is more than just a family outing—it’s a journey across continents, ecosystems, and time. Whether you’re encountering towering giraffes or engaging with rare native species like the numbat, each moment at Perth Zoo is curated for impact. For a glimpse into the zoo’s mission and layout, visit the official Perth Zoo homepage.
One of the top draws is the African Savannah exhibit, which mirrors the wild plains of sub-Saharan Africa. Guests can feed giraffes, observe zebras grazing, and marvel at rhinoceroses—all in immersive enclosures. In contrast, the Asian Rainforest invites visitors into a lush, tropical world where Sumatran tigers and orangutans reside. As one of the most endangered primate programs in Australia, this exhibit stands out among the most meaningful Perth Zoo attractions. The zoo’s long-standing efforts in international species protection are supported by organizations like WWF Australia and Wildlife Conservation International.
For families, Perth Zoo is a haven of discovery. The Children’s Zoo, complete with goats, chickens, and rabbits, is an interactive delight for younger guests, attracting more than 180,000 kids annually. Beyond the petting area, kids can enjoy playgrounds made of sustainable materials or take part in the Mini Zookeeper Passport Trail, which encourages learning through games and rewards. Events like the Zootopia Sleepover offer unforgettable overnight experiences under the stars. Learn more about family programs via Kidspot Australia or check seasonal events on Visit Perth.
Another powerful feature of Perth Zoo is its commitment to conservation. With over 35 active breeding programs, including the Western Swamp Tortoise and numbat, the zoo plays a vital role in Australia’s biodiversity strategy. Its veterinary hospital treats over 1,100 wild animals per year, aiding in rehabilitation and release missions. Partnerships with institutions like Conservation Volunteers Australia and Bush Heritage Australia enhance these efforts. These behind-the-scenes initiatives are explained at the Wildlife Conservation Action Hub, where visitors can pledge to protect wildlife and reduce environmental impact.
Sustainability flows through every part of the zoo—from solar-powered infrastructure to zero-waste cafes. The retail store sells products made from recycled materials and supports ethical wildlife causes. Whether enjoying a zebra-themed carousel or participating in the Keeper for a Day program, guests are constantly invited to reflect on the connection between enjoyment and responsibility. For those planning a trip, detailed visitor information is available on Experience Perth and national tourism sites like Australia.com.
Ultimately, Perth Zoo attractions combine wild wonder with purpose, bridging animal care, family fun, and global conservation into a single, unforgettable experience.
Wildlife Wonders from Around the World
African Savannah Experience
The African Savannah exhibit is one of the most iconic Perth Zoo attractions, featuring giraffes, zebras, and rhinoceroses in a landscape that mirrors their natural habitat. Home to over 100 African species, this area draws over 200,000 visitors annually, eager to witness these magnificent animals up close. The giraffe feeding platform, introduced in 2018, allows guests a hands-on experience and sees an average of 120 daily participants during school holidays.
Asian Rainforest Realm
The Asian Rainforest is a lush sanctuary home to Sumatran tigers, orangutans, and otters. The zoo’s orangutan breeding program is a global benchmark, with 29 successful births since its inception. As one of the most educational Perth Zoo attractions, the rainforest trail includes interactive kiosks and soundscapes that mimic the Southeast Asian jungle, drawing in over 150,000 school-aged visitors annually.
Australian Bushwalk
Step into Australia’s wild side with kangaroos, wallabies, emus, and koalas roaming freely. This walkthrough habitat replicates the dry woodlands of Western Australia and educates visitors about local ecosystems. As of 2024, the Bushwalk houses 24 native species and includes talks by Indigenous guides on native wildlife and bush medicine. It’s among the most popular Perth Zoo attractions for international tourists.
Amazon Rainforest Aviary
The Amazonian Aviary provides a splash of color and sound, hosting toucans, macaws, and other tropical birds. Covering 1,800 square meters, it’s the zoo’s largest free-flight aviary. According to the zoo’s 2023 report, over 75 species of birds are cared for here. Visitors can walk through the dense foliage, where birds fly overhead and perch nearby.
Reptile Encounter Zone
With more than 50 species of reptiles, including pythons, lizards, and crocodiles, this exhibit highlights cold-blooded wonders. Featuring the rare Komodo dragon, the zone emphasizes conservation and myths surrounding reptiles. The interactive touch table allows guests to feel reptile skins and learn from keepers directly, educating over 10,000 students each year.
Nocturnal House Adventure
Experience creatures of the night including bilbies, sugar gliders, and ghost bats in dimly lit habitats. The Nocturnal House utilizes reverse light cycles to mimic night activity during the day. The immersive setting teaches visitors about the importance of darkness in animal behavior. It remains a unique highlight among Perth Zoo attractions for those interested in night-dwelling species.
Island Exhibit of Lemurs and Gibbons
Two separate islands house ring-tailed lemurs and white-cheeked gibbons, allowing for agile and expressive displays. These islands are part of Perth Zoo’s open-concept design, avoiding traditional cages. Lemur feeding sessions occur daily, engaging around 300 guests per session and boosting awareness about Madagascar’s endangered species.
Interactive Encounters and Behind-the-Scenes Tours
Giraffe Feeding Platform
This up-close encounter allows visitors to hand-feed Perth Zoo’s tallest residents. The platform stands 4.5 meters high, aligning perfectly with the giraffes’ reach. With over 40,000 feeds annually, this experience remains one of the top Perth Zoo attractions. Staff also educate guests about giraffe conservation and their decreasing wild population.
Elephant Walk with Keepers
Join a behind-the-scenes walk with Asian elephants and their caretakers, a tour capped at 10 people per session to ensure safety and intimacy. Guests learn about feeding routines, social structures, and the zoo’s role in the Asian Elephant Breeding Program, which began in 2005. This unique offer enhances appreciation for endangered giants.
Keeper Talks and Training Demonstrations
Daily keeper talks across 16 animal zones provide insights into animal behavior, training, and health care. For instance, the penguin talk includes live fish feeding and commentary on their cold-water adaptation. These sessions attract over 500 spectators daily, contributing to one of the most educational Perth Zoo attractions.
Wild Vets Tour
The zoo’s veterinary hospital opens its doors during special “Wild Vets” tours. Guests can view real-time medical checkups through a glass operating theatre. From annual health exams to emergency surgeries, the team handles over 2,000 animal procedures annually. The hospital is considered a leader in exotic animal medicine in Australasia.
Children’s Zoo and Touch Yard
Designed for younger visitors, this interactive petting zoo features goats, sheep, chickens, and rabbits. Kids can groom and feed animals, with sanitized stations ensuring hygiene. Annually, over 180,000 children interact with the Children’s Zoo, making it one of the most frequented Perth Zoo attractions for families.
Behind-the-Scenes with Big Cats
Select guests can enjoy exclusive tours of the tiger and lion enclosures. These include access to feeding rooms, training tools, and a chance to assist keepers with enrichment activities. Only 300 tickets per month are released to keep the experience exclusive and ethical. Proceeds support the Wild Cats in Asia initiative.
Keeper for a Day Program
This full-day program immerses adults in the life of a zookeeper. Participants help with feeding, habitat cleaning, and enrichment planning. Only 8 spots per session are available, and it runs on weekends. Many alumni have gone on to pursue animal care careers, making this one of the most inspiring Perth Zoo attractions.
Family Fun and Kid-Friendly Adventures
Zebra Carousel Ride
Located near the entrance, this vintage-inspired carousel features 30 hand-painted animals. As part of a revamp in 2021, it now includes native and exotic animals. With over 150,000 rides annually, it’s one of the most whimsical Perth Zoo attractions for younger children.
Zoo Playgrounds and Nature Trails
Three themed playgrounds – Jungle Climb, Bush Buggies, and Koala Grove – give kids room to play and learn. These areas use recycled materials and offer educational signs about local species. With shaded seating, they serve over 1 million visitors annually seeking a break between animal encounters.
Mini-Zookeeper Passport Trail
Children can pick up a zookeeper passport at the entrance and complete 10 discovery stations around the zoo. Each station has puzzles, trivia, and QR codes linking to videos. After completion, kids receive a “Junior Keeper Certificate.” This interactive element enhances the appeal of Perth Zoo attractions for children aged 6 to 12.
Family Picnic Zones
Scattered across the zoo are picnic-friendly lawns with tables, umbrellas, and native shade trees. Many families spend over 3 hours at the zoo, making these rest areas essential. Free Wi-Fi, clean toilets, and stroller rentals improve convenience for family groups.
Zoo Camps and Sleepovers
The “Zootopia Sleepover” program allows children aged 7–12 to stay overnight in safari tents. It includes night tours, storytelling, and marshmallow roasting. These events are booked out months in advance, hosting around 1,200 kids annually. This overnight experience sets Perth Zoo attractions apart from other Australian zoos.
Birthday Party Packages
Parents can book themed party zones with animal encounters, gift bags, and private keeper talks. Packages begin at AUD 350 and include up to 15 children. The zoo hosts over 400 birthday events each year, making it a top spot for celebrations with an educational twist.
Family Animal Encounters
Special packages allow families to meet animals like dingoes, snakes, and wombats up close. Sessions are 20 minutes long, led by experienced handlers, and include professional photography. With high safety standards, they’re a trusted highlight among Perth Zoo attractions for multigenerational groups.
Conservation in Action: Perth Zoo’s Sustainability Mission
Native Species Breeding Programs
Perth Zoo leads conservation efforts with over 35 breeding programs, including for endangered species like the Western Swamp Tortoise and Numbat. In 2023, 12 numbats were released into the wild from zoo-bred stock. These efforts make the zoo more than a tourist destination—it’s a lifeline for survival.
Global Partnerships and Wildlife Rescue
Through partnerships with programs like TRAFFIC and Wildlife Asia, the zoo supports wildlife crime prevention and habitat protection. It contributed AUD 1.6 million in 2023 alone to regional conservation. These efforts form a critical part of what defines the broader impact of Perth Zoo attractions.
Eco-Friendly Operations
The zoo offsets its carbon footprint through solar panels, water recycling, and composting. In 2022, it recycled 92% of its green waste and reduced single-use plastics by 40%. This commitment to sustainability is woven into everyday operations and interpreted through signs, workshops, and guided eco-tours.
Wildlife Conservation Action (WCA) Hub
Located near the entrance, the WCA Hub is an education and advocacy centre where visitors can pledge actions, donate to causes, or join volunteer groups. Over 7,000 zoo visitors annually join WCA’s newsletter to stay informed about global conservation challenges. It’s one of the most purposeful Perth Zoo attractions.
Rehabilitation and Release Programs
The zoo’s veterinary and rehabilitation team helps treat injured wildlife found across Western Australia. In 2023, more than 1,100 wild animals were treated and 540 released. These include black cockatoos, quokkas, and sea turtles affected by environmental disruption.
Green Zoo Volunteers
More than 650 volunteers support the zoo in environmental education, visitor assistance, and animal care. Their training includes sustainability best practices and engagement strategies. Volunteers donated over 48,000 hours in 2023, embodying the zoo’s green mission.
Sustainable Café and Retail Shops
Zoo eateries serve organic, locally sourced meals and use biodegradable packaging. The retail shop prioritizes products made from sustainable materials, including recycled elephant dung paper and FSC-certified wood toys. These eco-retail features complement the educational value of Perth Zoo attractions.
