Wow, you might think you have heard a cat purr before but you’ve never heard anything like the huge rumbles that our Cheetahs give off.

As soon as you step into our intimate Cheetah encounter space, you know you’re in for a special moment. When Canjo and Kunjuka come strolling towards you, you’ll really feel the excitement of being one on one with one of the world’s most iconic big cats. Hear their astounding happy purr while they’re lounging around on a Close Encounter. A Close Encounter at Wellington Zoo is more than just meeting an amazing animal close-up. You’re joined by a Zoo Keeper who works with the animals you are meeting. They will introduce you to your encounter animals and let you know how we take care of these amazing animals at Wellington Zoo and answer any of your questions about Cheetahs in the wild. They’ll also happily take a photo of you sitting with a Cheetah purring at your feet, so don’t forget your camera!

You’ll learn how your Close Encounter helps Wellington Zoo to save Cheetah in the wild. 10% of proceeds from all Close Encounters help us save animals in the wild through projects supported by the Wellington Zoo Conservation Fund.

You’ll never forget your Cheetah Close Encounter, and the privilege of getting close to these beautiful cats.

Cheetah Close Encounter details

Age: 14 years old and up. If you're between 14 and 17 years you'll need to have someone 18 years or over (booked and paid) with you on the close encounter.

Time: 2.30pm every day.

Cost: $159 per person including free Zoo entry.

10% discount for all Zoo Crew Members.

Participants: Maximum of 4 people per encounter. Enclosed shoes must be worn.

Duration: 30 minutes

Bookings: Please book in advance. If you want to give someone else this amazing experience, you can buy a Gift Card which the lucky recipient can redeem when they make their booking.

IMPORTANT - gift cards purchased before 1 February 2019 cannot be redeemed online. Please phone our Bookings team on 04 389 3692 for further assistance.

Sign up for our newsletter