New encounter experiences at Rockhampton Zoo starts this weekend

Visitors will be able to get up close and personal with the chimpanzees in a first for the popular tourist attraction. Find out how you can book your spot.

Capri and Gandali during feeding and training session

For the first time ever, visitors to Rockhampton Zoo will be able to get up close and personal with the resident chimpanzees, as part of a new encounter experience launching this weekend.

From this Saturday, the new encounter will give visitors the chance to tour back-of-house of the chimpanzee enclosure where they will see training sessions, feeding sessions and learn first-hand how the chimps interact with staff and each other.

Rockhampton Regional Council’s Sports, Parks and Public Spaces councillor Cherie Rutherford made the announcement with Zoo staff Wednesday afternoon.

“We are absolutely thrilled to announce the commencement of the first ever chimpanzee encounters here at Rockhampton Zoo from this weekend,” Cr Rutherford said.

“Following the success of our meerkat encounters over the past three months, we are so excited to now also allow visitors the opportunity to get closer to our chimpanzee troop.

“Our beautiful chimpanzee family of seven are already a highlight for so many people who visit the Zoo, so I know this news is going to be extremely exciting for many people.”

Chimpanzees at Rockhampton Zoo

“The encounters allow visitors to be much closer to the troop than the main front viewing area,” Cr Rutherford said.

“Participants will be able to view the chimp den with our primate keepers and see the amazing work the staff carry out daily in helping to keep the troop happy and healthy.

“Whether it’s seeing how sweet Cassius can be, or watching the cheeky antics of little Capri and Gandali close up, I am certain these encounters will make an unbelievable experience for everyone and create memories that will last a lifetime.”

The first chimpanzee encounter will commence this Saturday – June 26, with tickets now on sale from Rockhampton Zoo’s website: www.rockhamptonzoo.com.au/Home

Encounters will be available each Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

More on the encounters:

• Four people maximum per encounter
• Minimum age limit is 12 years old
• The encounter runs for up to 25 minutes
• Encounters are held at the chimpanzee night house and back of the chimpanzee enclosure
• For full terms and conditions, head to Rockhampton Zoo’s website.

Fast facts on the chimpanzee troop:

• The troop at Rockhampton Zoo is made up of seven chimpanzees.
• The eldest is Cassius, who is 50 years old this year. The alpha of the troop is Alon, who is the father of the babies in the troop – Capri and Gandali.
• The troop includes three mature females – Holly, Samantha and Leakey.