Cover Story

Imagine if when you visited a zoo you could feed a lion, touch a snake and view Tasmanian devils and their babies during Tassie devil lunchtime (subject to availability).

This is all part and parcel of a trip to Zoodoo Zoo, which is well known for the unique hands-on opportunities it gives its visitors.

As well as an interesting range of exotic animals such as meerkats, monkeys and reptiles, there are also walk-through areas such as the farmyard and Australian native park.

Both of these spaces allow people to stroll among the animals and feed them along the way.

The native park houses a variety of fascinating Australian species, including wombats, Tassie devils, quolls, kangaroos and many more. Another beautiful area is the walk-through bird aviary.

Compete with friendly birds and a cascading waterfall, this expansive area is a lovely place to sit and enjoy the tranquil surrounds.

Another highlight is the safari bus tours, which operate all day. The fun and informative tours transport visitors into the paddocks to feed the larger animals, such as zebras, camels and emus.

The newest attraction at Zoodoo Zoo is the indoor PLAYLAND. This area includes a ball bit, trampoline, slide, jumping castle and much more. Surrounded by picnic tables for parents to sit and watch as their children enjoy themselves, this space has been very popular since opened.

Visitors can also adopt an animal or book an animal encounter session, which allows them to enter the enclosures, to pet and feed animals such as meerkats, marmoset monkeys, snakes and servals.

Theres also an Australian animal encounter package, which allows people to get up close and personal with a range of native animals.

Each animal encounter includes a CD with photos of the experience taken by the zookeeper. Animal encounters are offered every day.

Zoodoo Zoos all-day attractions are complemented by free rides for kids, a coffee shop, barbecue and picnic facilities.

For those looking to support a worthwhile cause, Zoodoo is currently fundraising to develop a first class animal hospital, which aims to provide medical treatment and care to Tasmanias native wildlife.

Zoodoo also supports the Devils In Danger Foundation and urges the community to do the same. Both of these causes can be supported in person, at Zoodoo Zoo or via its website.

Zoodoo Wildlife Park is at 620 Middle Tea Tree Road, just six kilometres from the historic township of Richmond. For more information call 6260 2444 or visit www.zoodoo.com.au.

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