Changed opening hours at Zoo & Aviary

Published: 22 Jan 2021 2:54pm

Wagga Zoo & Aviary at the Botanic Gardens will be closed from midday over the weekend and into the start of next week due to the extreme heat expected to hit the city.

The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting the temperature to top the 40-degree mark today (23 January), tomorrow and Monday.

Manager Parks & Strategic Operations Henry Pavitt said the decision has been taken to ensure the animals’ welfare.

“While I know this will be disappointing to our regular and new visitors to the Zoo, it is important to keep both staff and animals happy and healthy in the high heat,” Mr Pavitt said.

“Our zoo curators will be going around and cooling off all the animals during this time period, turning on the misters for the birds and sprinklers for the larger mammals and even giving some them fun ice blocks.”

Zoo operating hours will be as follows:

• Saturday 23 January - 9am to 12pm
• Sunday 24 January – 9am to 12pm
• Monday 25 January – 9am to 12pm