Orana Wildlife Trust

Welcome to Orana Wildlife Trust, located at McLeans Island Road in Christchurch, New Zealand. Since opening in 1976, our park has grown and evolved, thanks to the support of our amazing community. As a registered charitable trust, our main objective is the conservation of wildlife diversity on our planet.

At Orana Wildlife Park, we are dedicated to the welfare of all our animals, from the tallest to the smallest. We believe in providing the best possible conditions for each animal, ensuring their well-being and happiness. Our aim is to create a range of positive experiences for our animals, allowing them to thrive in their environment.

Not only do we care for our animals, but we also aim to provide education, recreation, and enjoyment to the public. We offer quality recreation facilities for the Canterbury community, as well as domestic and international visitors. Our park is committed to conserving endangered New Zealand and exotic wildlife, and we support research relating to endangered animals.

Unlike other major zoos in New Zealand, Orana Wildlife Park is not owned and operated by the local government. This means that our operational costs are not highly subsidized, and all capital developments are fundraised from external sources. We rely on gate takings, donations, bequests, sponsorship, adoptions, and grants to sustain our operations.

The South Island Zoological Society formed in 1970 with a vision to create a wildlife park in Christchurch. In 1976, Orana Wildlife Park became a reality, featuring the first and only drive-through Lion Reserve in New Zealand. Over the years, we have continued to add unique and memorable animal encounters, such as the Lion Encounter and hand feeding our majestic giraffe.

We are excited to collaborate with our friends at What Now to bring an engaging Wildlife Warrior segment to the show. These stories will highlight key actions that kids can take to promote a healthy environment. Join us in our mission to protect and conserve wildlife diversity at Orana Wildlife Trust.