Hamilton Zoo Hamilton Zoo News 2025

Astrobird said:

Altina Zoo sent several female Blackbuck to NZ only a few years ago, what happened to them? Could they have been housed behind the scenes?

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Hamilton Zoo imported eight females from Altina in 2015, but I don’t believe they’re still on site.

Before they revamped it a couple of years ago, Hamilton Zoo’s website was useful as it listed the names of all the animals held on site (on and off display). By 2023, it appeared they only had males on site.

I’ll confirm on my next visit; but at this point, I’m thinking it might be female nyala. They’re clearly a focus species for the region and females cohabit well with larger African ungulates.

Hamilton Zoo News

Update from my visit (19/09/2025):

I visited Hamilton Zoo today and can confirm your ID of the antelopes in the Savannah was correct @Matt_C. They are indeed Indian antelope. The herd of 13 consisted primarily of adult females, but I saw at least two juveniles.

Despite importing females in 2015, Hamilton Zoo has only displayed male Indian antelope for the past few years. The staff member I spoke to wasn’t aware of any recent imports, so agreed with my assumption they had likely been housed off display until recently (I’ll try and seek further confirmation on my next visit). I note Hamilton Zoo is currently without zebra stallions for the first time in decades, so perhaps that’s why the breeding herd (including vulnerable young) have been off display in recent years.



A number of trees have fallen down (high winds prompted closure of the zoo last week). The Wetlands is most affected, but the Cheetah are also currently off exhibit while maintained crew get things cleared up.

I asked a keeper about future plans to import a female Caracal and she said it wasn’t a priority at this stage due to the conservation status of the Caracal. As we know, the zoo has future plans to import Clouded leopard and build a new Fishing cat facility; however the main focus is on the new ungulate exhibits, which is very exciting.

Photos from my visit:

Hamilton Zoo - ZooChat

New male giraffe arriving soon:

From Orana’s socials:

Kevin’s Big Road Trip! Our much-loved young giraffe Kevin (2.5 years old and full of charm) is about to set off on a new adventure! Soon, he’ll be heading north to Hamilton Zoo to join a bachelor herd alongside Masamba (22) and Jabali (2), where he’ll continue to grow and thrive.

While Kevin can’t stay with our females long-term, this move is an important step in his journey. He’s a curious, cheeky character who’s brought endless smiles to our team, visitors, and community. From zoomies around his habitat to his inquisitive stares, Kevin has made quite the impression! We’ll miss him dearly, but we’re excited for what’s ahead.

Please note that transfer dates may change due to logistics, animal welfare, and staffing needs, our top priority is ensuring the best care and a smooth transfer for Kevin.

Hamilton Zoo News

Update from my visit (29/10/2025):

Hamilton Zoo is now down to two Black and white ruffed lemur (both males). Ankoto transferred to Wellington Zoo earlier this year and Sambava has been transferred to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve.

1.0 Mikaly (2008) - Still at Hamilton Zoo
1.0 Ankoto (2012) - Sent to Wellington Zoo
1.0 Sambava (2012) - Sent to Willowbank
1.0 Vazimba (2016) - Still at Hamilton Zoo

A structure is being built in the African Savannah exhibit. At a first glance, I assumed giraffe house, but it could also be a viewing platform/overhead walkway. I will try and seek confirmation on my next visit if I see an ungulates keeper.



Multiple female spider monkeys are currently off contraception, but the male (Salsa) shows no inclination to mate. The last infant born in the troop was Belize (born 2020), who was sired by Aranyo, now at Wellington Zoo (where he’s the father of their latest infant).

Southern white rhinoceros Kruger had access to the lower paddock (in additional to the side paddock he usually occupies). The cows were restricted to the upper paddock (they usually have access to the upper and lower paddock); but it was clearly highly enriching for both Kruger and the cows to interact with each other through the fence line. They previously had only a limited view of each other through the iron gate connecting the lower and side paddocks and interactions were far less frequent.



The walkway outside the Cheetah exhibit has been landscaped with cacti and Pōhutukawa trees. An interesting mix, but good to see multiple Pōhutukawa trees in full bloom.

In July, I noticed the Alpaca had moved to the terrace above the Siamang exhibit. This move appears to be permanent as signage has now been removed from the previous Alpaca paddock (adjacent to the giraffe yards; and opposite the old Sitatunga exhibit).

Photos from my visit:

https://www.zoochat.com/community/media/categories/hamilton-zoo.808/

New male giraffe planned to arrive early next week:

From Orana’s socials:

The countdown is on to Kevin’s giraffe-sized road trip to Hamilton Zoo!

The team have been working closely with Kevin to get him familiar with his transport trailer during daily training sessions, this will help him to be as comfortable as possible for the journey north.

Kevin will be joining a bachelor herd at Hamilton Zoo with Masamba (22) and Jabali (2) and will continue to play a vital advocacy role for his species.

We’ll be sharing updates from Kevin’s journey north, keep an eye on our stories for updates! Please note: The transfer date may shift depending on wind and sea conditions. Kevin’s comfort and safety are our top priority.

New male giraffe has arrived:

The Waikato Times

Kevin, a “playful, curious, and cheeky” giraffe from Christchurch has finally hit the road and arrived at his new home at Hamilton Zoo.

The 2½-year-old stands 4.3m tall and weighs between 500kg and 600kg.

At Hamilton Zoo, Kevin is set to join a bachelor herd alongside Masamba, 22, and Jabali, 2. Jabali arrived last year from Auckland Zoo.

Hamilton Zoo News

Update from my visit (13/11/2025):

The new male giraffe (Kevin) was on display in the main giraffe yard, following his arrival from Christchurch this week. He’s yet to be introduced to the other bulls (Masamba and Jabari), but they could see him from the adjacent yard and were very curious about him.

Kevin (New Male Giraffe):



The construction work in the Savannah exhibit is indeed for a new giraffe house (see previous update). The plan is to return giraffes to the Savannah (they’ve been held in the giraffe yards in the upper zoos for a few years now); and long term, establish a breeding herd of giraffe (I assume in conjunction with a bachelor herd since they now have two three year old bulls on site). In my opinion, this would be the ideal opportunity to import from outside the region since New Zealand now has a Giraffe IRA.

The female Indian antelope herd was on display on the Savannah again today. I counted 12 females. The females have been on site for many years in one of the off-display yards (which the male Indian antelope now occupy). The zoo aren’t planning to breed the species and the current plan is to phase them out.

The second ‘tall’ cage in the Rainforest has been renovated for Brown capuchin. It most recently held Ring-tailed lemur. This is the zoo’s third capuchin exhibit, with the first ‘tall’ cage (first capuchin exhibit) connecting to an off display exhibit at ground level (second capuchin exhibit).

The zoo has no plans to breed the pair of Himalayan monal.

The Australian Aviary is closed for renovations.

Photos from my visit:

Hamilton Zoo - ZooChat

Update on Masamba the Giraffe

Masamba the giraffe turned 23 years old last month and Hamilton Zoo anticipate he is coming towards the end of his lifespan. Those who want to see him are encouraged to do so sooner rather than later.

I applaud Hamilton Zoo for not only on providing a high standard of care throughout Masamba’s impressive 23 year life (a longevity record for a male of his species in New Zealand); but for giving the public advance notice regarding the inevitable, so they have the opportunity to pay a final visit to him.

From socials:

Four days ago:

Yesterday, Masamba celebrated his 23rd birthday - an amazing milestone for a giraffe! At this age, Masamba is considered very elderly.

For the past several years we’ve been carefully monitoring his wellbeing and recently have noticed some signs of him really slowing down that come with his senior years.

We don’t expect for him to be with us much longer, so every day is precious. Our team is focused on keeping him comfortable and happy, ensuring he continues having the best life possible at this end-stage of his life. We encourage you to come and spend some time with Masamba in the coming days and join us in celebrating his incredible life.

Today:

Since sharing our post last week, we’ve continued to monitor Masamba closely. What we've seen is that he has good days and bad days.

We are happy to report he is having a good day today, but we expect he will continue to have his ups and downs. We will do our best to keep you updated and keep Masamba as healthy, happy and safe as possible in the mean time.

Masamba (left) and Jabali from my visit last month:

On December 3rd, the zoo announced that a (1m.0) nyala named Barry passed away due to a decline in health caused by an injury to its front foot.

Hamilton Zoo