ZOOLOGIST and TV host Chris Humfrey believes zoos play an important role in a world where the environment and loss of habitat are making animals rarer and rarer.
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The ABC3 television program Wild Life star is in Launceston for Tasmania Zoo's 11th anniversary celebrations this weekend.
``Kids don't get up and personal with animals anymore and are not in touch with nature,'' he said.
``A place like Tasmania Zoo . . . is a way to give them greater awareness, get them to come out and have a look at iconic Australian animals and understand how important it is to save these creatures.
``It's not all about saving our animals, it's also about saving ourselves because no one goes out into the bush anymore - everyone is stuck to an iPad or watching TV.''
Humfrey will hold interactive shows at 10am, 1pm and 3pm today.
Tasmania Zoo manager Rochelle Penney said the zoo had changed considerably in the past decade and opportunities to expand were always being sought.
She said the zoo's primates were its biggest attraction.
FACT FILE
WHAT: Tasmania Zoo's 11th anniversary celebrations.
WHEN: Today and tomorrow, from 9am until 5pm.
WHERE: 1166 Ecclestone Road, Riverside.
ENTRY: $10 a person.
