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Conservation Week activities coming to Brooklands Zoo

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PUBLISHED: 20 APR 2026
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Visitors to Brooklands Zoo have the chance learn more about the secret lives of our native wildlife, with special Keeper Talks this week.

Conservation Week starts today and the zoo’s free talks are aimed at sharing information about our precious native species, and how we can support pollinators in our gardens.

“This year’s Conservation Week message is that small, everyday actions can have a big, positive effect on our local natural environment and our zoo staff have been looking forward to supporting that theme with zoo visitors,” says Brooklands Zoo Lead Eve Cozzi.

Staff will be holding two Keeper Talks every day until Sunday 26 April:

  • Noon: Learn about the native birds and lizards that live at our zoo.
  • 2pm: The importance of pollinators and how to attract them to your home.

Brooklands Zoo also has a key role in looking after our injured or orphaned native wildlife, as it has a DOC permit to rehabilitate birds brought to it from New Plymouth Vet Group.

“We tend to help a lot of kererū get back into the wild – we’ve had 23 of them in our care in the last four years – but we’ve rehabbed quite a range of bird species, including tūī, ruru, kotare, pāpango and a shining cuckoo/pīpīwharauroa,” says Eve.

“And of course back in 2023 we cared for two mystery weka found in South Taranaki for a few weeks before they could be returned to the South Island.

“We care for these precious taonga away from the public’s view but we’re looking forward to sharing what we know about them at this week’s Keeper Talks.”

At a glance:

  • Brooklands Zoo is owned and operated by New Plymouth District Council.
  • More than 137,000 people visit the zoo every year.
  • Brooklands Zoo is a ZAA Welfare Accredited Member.

Caption: Brooklands Zoo Keeper Gemma Andrew releases a rehabilitated kererū in January last year.

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Page last updated: 10:57am Mon 20 April 2026

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