New Zealand Conservation

Aotearoa New Zealand is home to amazing wildlife – from the sleek long-fin eel to the giant wētā (that weighs as much as a sparrow!).   

The majority of our native animals are endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else on Earth, yet many of these species are threatened or endangered. This is why Auckland Zoo is involved in conservation programmes with the Department of Conservation (DOC), Auckland Council, mana whenua and community groups, to ensure the survival of these taonga species into the future. 

This conservation work includes species recovery programmes for animals like kiwi, tara iti/New Zealand fairy tern, kākāriki karaka/orange fronted parakeets, tuatara, wētāpunga and mokomoko (including grand skinks, Otago skinks, Kapitia skinks and cobble skinks), veterinary care for sick and injured native wildlife patients every year at the Auckland Zoo Veterinary Hospital and thousands of hands-on conservation hours in the field every year.  

This mahi is not only meaningful for every individual animal that is rescued, hatched or born, but is also important for a thriving and biodiverse ecosystem. Learn more about New Zealand native animals, the threats they’re facing and the work of zookeepers and conservationists in these stories.