COVID-19 Updates
Sun 23/01/22 Update:
New Zealand will be in Red from Monday 24 January.
This means all visitors over 12 years and 3 months will be required to present their COVID-19 Vaccination Pass before entry. Please note, all visitors over the age of 12 years will be required to wear a mask while at the Zoo, indoors and out. Mask use is also strongly encouraged for under 12s.
Our duty of care is to look after our Zoo team, visitors, and animals. This is a decision we take seriously, and we will be regularly reviewing this in line with government advice to ensure it is still the right approach. You’ll be able to visit Wellington Zoo knowing we’re doing everything we can to keep you and your whānau safe and healthy.
If you are planning a visit to the Zoo, please know that the health of our visitors, staff, animals, and our wider community is our highest priority.
As an outdoor space we encourage you to visit us at Wellington Zoo. As long as you have a vaccination pass, are feeling healthy and are not in self-isolation, the Zoo is a great place to get outside and spend some time with friends, family, and our amazing animals. We hope to see you soon!
If you are unwell, have symptoms of COVID-19 or answer yes to any of the following questions, we advise you follow government guidelines and stay home.
Have you been to a place of interest?
In the past 14 days, have you or a member of your household –
• Been tested for COVID-19 and waiting for the results?
• Had a positive COVID-19 result?
• Travelled overseas or worked on an international vessel?
• Been in close contact with anyone who may have been exposed to Coronavirus (COVID-19) or have similar symptoms?
This information is subject to change as we move through alert levels in accordance with government guidelines and requirements. Please check back here for updated information or email us wellingtonzoo@wellingtonzoo.com if you have any questions.
FAQs
Are you open?
Yes, we are open 9:30am - 5:00pm every day of the year (except Christmas Day)
Why do we have to get a vaccine?
Getting vaccinated means that you are far less likely to get really sick and have to go to hospital if you catch COVID-19. You are also less likely to pass COVID-19 on to other people.
For more information, please visit - https://covid19.govt.nz/covid-19-vaccines/get-the-facts-about-covid-19-vaccination/covid-19-vaccination-your-questions-answered/
Do I need to wear a mask?
Masks will be required at Wellington Zoo for all people older than 12-years in line with government requirements. This is to ensure the safety of our Zoo team, visitors, and animals.
For more information, please visit - https://covid19.govt.nz/traffic-lights/life-at-red/events-and-public-facilities-at-red/public-facilities-at-red/
What about children under 12 years old?
Children under 12 years of age are highly recommended to wear masks at Wellington Zoo.
Will you accept visitors with just one jab?
Entry to our zoo will be dependent on possession of a COVID-19 Vaccination Pass. Currently you require two vaccinations or an exemption to get this Pass. For more information on COVID-19 Vaccination Passes, please visit - https://covid19.govt.nz/covid-19-vaccines/covid-19-vaccination-certificates/my-vaccine-pass/
Where will you check my vaccination pass?
Our friendly Visitor Advisors will welcome you at the Zoo Entrance. You will need to present your vaccination pass before entering the Zoo.
Will I need to get my vaccination pass checked every time?
You will be required to show your vaccine pass every time you visit Wellington Zoo. We understand this is a new way of doing things and may take some getting used to. We appreciate your patience with the roll out of this new process.
What about international visitors?
We will be following government guidelines on how to check international visitors' vaccine status.
Do I have to provide ID?
The legislation and guidance do indicate that your ID may be requested to verify your vaccine pass. So, you may be asked to provide ID when entering Wellington Zoo.
What if I forget my wallet or phone?
Vaccine passes will be required for entry into Wellington Zoo, so without this we unfortunately won't be able to allow visitors into the Zoo.
Can we attend Wellington Zoo events without a vaccination pass?
Entry into Wellington Zoo requires a vaccine pass. You will need one to attend any event at Wellington Zoo.
Do we need to book tickets or are you open for walk-ins?
Pre-bookings are not compulsory for Zoo entry. You can buy your tickets online or at the Zoo entrance. Visitors will be asked to sign-in via QR code or manually upon arrival and provide their COVID-19 Vaccination Pass.
Why are you collecting my details?
We are collecting your information to assist in the management of the Covid-19 pandemic. It will be given to public health officials in the event that it is required for contact tracing. We will not use it for any other purpose and will destroy it after 60 days. It will be kept securely at Wellington Zoo.
Are you accepting cash payments?
Preferred payment is contactless, but in Orange and Red we are accepting cash.
Can I store my belongings whilst visiting the Zoo?
No, unfortunately we are unable to store personal items for you during Red. This includes scooters, bags, pushchairs, etc.
Are your Zoo Talks on?
Yes, our Zoo talks are on again.
Are your Close Encounters on?
The majority of our Close Encounters and Behind the Scenes experiences are now running, with the exception of our Lemur Close Encounter and our Zoo Keeper for the Day and Sun Bear Behind the Scenes experiences.
To ensure the safety of our staff/animals/visitors, we have added some extra safety measures:
- All participants will be required to wear a disposable face mask provided by the Zoo for the full duration of the experience. If you have an exemption card or are not happy with wearing a face mask in the experience please let us know ASAP
Are all areas of the Zoo open?
Yes, all areas of the Zoo are open with the exception of the construction site surrounding our upcoming Snow Leopard habitat.
Can my school group still come to the Zoo?
Yes, you can still have your Learning Session as you are in a class bubble but we ask that masks are worn.
You are welcome to still visit the Zoo as a self-guided visit, following social distancing rules and staying in your class bubble.
Are your zoo sleepovers on?
Yes, our sleepovers are running. To the ensure the safety of our staff/animals/visitors, we have some extra safety measures:
All participants will be required to wear face masks while Visitor Rangers are present inside the venues and during tours in the Zoo.
What processes are in place around the Zoo for Red level?
We have hand sanitiser stations available throughout the Zoo, and we have additional cleaning procedures in place. We will be completing contact tracing records for all visitors. We will be managing queues at the main entrance.
I have tried to call the Zoo, but no one is answering
We are currently fielding an extremely large volume of calls and emails; we are working through these. If you have an existing booking, we will be in touch with you as soon as we are able.
Thank you for your patience and for bearing with us.
If you have any questions around vaccine passes, please check out these resources:
https://covid19.govt.nz/alert-levels-and-updates/covid-19-protection-framework/
https://covid19.govt.nz/covid-19-vaccines/covid-19-vaccination-certificates/my-vaccine-pass/
