ANIMAL SANCTUARIES NEW ZEALAND

Orokonui Ecosanctuary — Te Korowai o Mihiwaka — is a 307-hectare predator-free biodiversity sanctuary located near Dunedin in Otago, New Zealand's South Island. Enclosed by a 9-kilometre predator-proof fence, the ecosanctuary protects native Coastal Otago forest and allows rare and endangered species to thrive in safety. Visitors can encounter species including takahē, tuatara, kākā, tīeke saddleback, Otago skinks, and a wide variety of native plants across over 193 identified species. Guided tours and self-guided walking tracks offer immersive experiences in restored native bush. As a community-led, not-for-profit conservation project, Orokonui also serves as a living research laboratory where scientists and conservationists study and develop strategies for protecting New Zealand's unique biodiversity.

Paradise Valley Springs Wildlife Park is an all-weather family wildlife attraction located in the scenic Paradise Valley, a 10 to 15 minute drive from Rotorua city in New Zealand's North Island. The park features lions as a headline drawcard, with a daily lion feeding at 2:30pm, as well as native and introduced birds, hand-feedable mammals, and trout. Visitors of all ages are welcome to explore the grounds throughout the day, and the park offers junior keeper experiences for children aged 8 to 14, along with educational school group programs designed for hands-on animal interaction. Open year-round from 8am until dark, the park provides a relaxed and immersive wildlife experience in a beautiful bush setting.

Wildlife Foxton Trust is a registered charitable wildlife education facility located in Foxton, in the Manawatu region of New Zealand's North Island. The trust operates under the vision of Education by Example, housing more than 10 species of native skinks and geckos — totalling over 40 animals — as well as exotic lizard species that visitors can handle, native and exotic frogs, cockatoos, and a possum, with an aquatic exhibition also in development. Guided tours of 30 to 45 minutes introduce guests to New Zealand's often-overlooked native reptiles, fish, and invertebrates, while hands-on experiences with exotic lizards help illustrate the impact of introduced species on native ecosystems and habitats.

Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary located near Kamo in Whangārei, Northland, New Zealand, best known for housing a collection of big cats including lions. Established in 2014, the sanctuary has provided a home for these large predators and gained public attention as a significant wildlife venue in the region. Guided tours allow visitors to observe the big cats in a dedicated sanctuary environment, and the facility has been a landmark attraction for those interested in wildlife experiences in Northland. The sanctuary has demonstrated community and investor support for the preservation of its resident animals and continues to operate as a notable wildlife destination in New Zealand's upper North Island.

Natureland Wildlife Trust is a not-for-profit zoo situated in Nelson, New Zealand, open 364 days a year and dedicated to combining animal care with conservation and community education. Highlights include popular Meerkat Encounters and Lemur Encounters, offering visitors the chance for interactive wildlife experiences. The zoo is actively involved in conservation through its Breed for Release program, which raises native birds destined for release into Abel Tasman National Park, and works in partnership with Project Janszoon and the Department of Conservation. Family-friendly programming includes keeper-led educational sessions, holiday activities, and birthday parties, with annual memberships providing unlimited visits. Accessible admission pricing and a welcoming atmosphere make Natureland a cherished attraction in the Nelson region for locals and visitors alike.