Look no further than a trip up the highway to Mansfield Zoo for an opportunity for the family to meet many rare and exotic animals.
Open daily from 10am, visitors are invited to say hello to the zoo’s residents including two rare white lions, two tawny lions, meerkats, monkeys (capuchins, marmosets, rhesus and bonnet), deer, camels, bison, alligator, wombats and plenty more.
Meerkats are also a favourite for all, with their cute little faces and peculiar interactions sure to make you smile.
The four lions are fed at 1.30pm each weekend and Victorian school and public holidays, followed by feeding of the meerkat mob. Take the opportunity to pat one of the friendly dingoes who walk around with a keeper while the lions are being fed.
You can also feed most the animals by hand every day while you wander the expansive grounds. A small spade is provided to feed the more gregarious animals, like the camels, who will run off with the spade if they can.
There are sambar, fallow deer and kangaroos roaming the grounds with you, along with guinea fowl and peacocks.
Bring a picnic lunch or use the free BBQs, just watch that the deer don’t steal your food from you.
For the more adventurous, there’s nothing like trying to sleep to the sound of the lion’s roar with camping on the grounds also available.
Overnight campers are welcome from September 1 to May 31 each season, but you do need to book a spot. Bring your own gear and set yourself up for a camping trip with a difference and take the opportunity to roam the zoo after hours.
The Mansfield Zoo is open every day from 10am to 6pm (10pm on N.Y.E.) and is closed on Christmas Day only.
More information is available on the website www.mansfieldzoo.com.au, Facebook page, facebook.com/mansfieldzoo, or calling the office on (03) 5777 3576.
