News

Follow the Rockhampton Zoo Facebook page for all the latest news and information and to hear about upcoming events and activities.

News around the Zoo!

Read about some exciting things happening around Rockhampton Zoo!!

Public notice - Zoo update - Cassius

Published on 31 March 2025

Rockhampton Zoo update on Cassius

Tagged as: , Rockhampton Zoo

Zoo-goers get the buzz on Native Bees

Published on 17 January 2025

Rockhampton Zoo was buzzing with excitement this morning as more than 30 eager participants joined in the Zoo’s first native bee hotel workshop, with a special focus on solitary bee nesting.

Tagged as: , Councillor Cherie Rutherford, Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo

New Zoo Visitor Hub Reaches Major Milestone

Published on 13 December 2024

The new Rockhampton Zoo Entrance and Visitor Hub has reached a major milestone with over 50 per cent of the project completed.

Tagged as: , Mayor Tony Williams, Councillor Cherie Rutherford, Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo, Roads and Infrastructure

Rockhampton Zoo conducts first live escape drill

Published on 06 December 2024

Visitors to Rockhampton Zoo recently had a chance to take part in a surprise animal escape drill, as staff put their training into practice for a simulated cassowary escape.

Tagged as: , Councillor Cherie Rutherford, Media Releases

Rockhampton Zoo announces important changes to chimpanzee troop

Published on 17 September 2024

Rockhampton Regional Council has today endorsed an important decision that will shape the future of the chimpanzee troop at Rockhampton Zoo, while contributing to the conservation of this endangered species.

Tagged as: , Deputy Mayor Drew Wickerson, Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo

Rockhampton Zoo welcomes Green Wing Macaws, Poppy and Dahlia

Published on 30 August 2024

Rockhampton Zoo has expanded its family with the arrival of two Green Wing Macaws, Poppy and Dahlia.

Tagged as: , Councillor Cherie Rutherford, Media Releases

Animal adoption program launches at Rockhampton Zoo

Published on 26 July 2024

A new program at Rockhampton Zoo is giving zoo-goers the chance to step beyond being visitors and become vital supporters of its cherished residents.

Tagged as: , Councillor Cherie Rutherford, Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo

Sudden loss for Rockhampton Zoo family

Published on 22 February 2024

It is with much sadness that Rockhampton Regional Council announces the sudden and unexpected passing of Rockhampton Zoo’s female chimpanzee, Samantha, which occurred yesterday afternoon.

Tagged as: , Community Notices, Rockhampton Zoo

Council unveils $7.5 million plans for Rockhampton Zoo’s Visitor Hub

Published on 25 January 2024

Plans for a brand new visitor entrance and amenities at the Rockhampton Zoo have been unveiled today, with construction set to commence next month.

Tagged as: , Councillor Cherie Rutherford, Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo, Parks and Gardens

Give the gift of experience this Christmas

Published on 08 December 2023

Forget the turtle doves and French hens this Christmas and give your loved ones the chance to mingle with a mob of meerkats or soak up the sun with a snake.

Tagged as: , Councillor Cherie Rutherford, Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo

Nine new reasons to visit Rockhampton Zoo

Published on 06 December 2023

Rockhampton Regional Council is inviting the community to come and see who’s new at the Rockhampton Zoo – with nine new members added to its extensive family.

Tagged as: , Councillor Cherie Rutherford, Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo

New eagle enclosure takes visitor experience to new heights

Published on 05 September 2023

A new addition at Rockhampton Zoo will provide visitors with a richer viewing experience when next visiting Valkyrie, our beloved Wedgetail Eagle.

Tagged as: , Mayor Tony Williams, Councillor Cherie Rutherford, Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo

Photos with snakes and more at Rockhampton Zoo these school holidays

Published on 19 June 2023

The Rockhampton Zoo is the place to be these school holidays with the launch of yet another animal encounter, and this time it’s in the form of slithery snakes.

Tagged as: , Councillor Cherie Rutherford, Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo

Rockhampton Zoo welcomes new chimp ‘Jery’ to the troop

Published on 08 June 2023

Introductions are underway at the Rockhampton Zoo between the chimp troop and their newest male primate, 27 year old Jery from Sydney Zoo in Eastern Creek.

Tagged as: , Councillor Cherie Rutherford, Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo, Tourism

Valkyrie the Eagle on a flight path to receive a new enclosure

Published on 03 February 2023

Valkyrie the Wedgetail Eagle at the Rockhampton Zoo will be receiving a belated Christmas present with a brand-new enclosure being constructed.

Tagged as: , Councillor Cherie Rutherford, Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo

New opening hours for Rockhampton Zoo

Published on 19 December 2022

The Rockhampton Zoo has extended it's opening hours, so you have more time to pop in for a visit

Tagged as: , Community Notices, Rockhampton Zoo

Another sad farewell at Rockhampton Zoo

Published on 15 December 2022

The hearts of the Rockhampton Zoo family have broken again with the loss of another primate, Tuson our female White-Cheeked Gibbon.

Tagged as: , Councillor Cherie Rutherford, Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo

Heartbreaking loss for Rockhampton Zoo family

Published on 08 December 2022

It is with the deepest sadness that Rockhampton Regional Council today announced that one of the most beloved members of our zoo family, Holly the Chimpanzee, passed away earlier this week.

Holly passed in the early hours of Wednesday morning after becoming suddenly and unexpectedly ill late Tuesday afternoon.

Tagged as: , Councillor Cherie Rutherford, Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo

It’s a ‘gibbon’ that the new Zoo exhibit will be a community favourite

Published on 20 October 2022

An exciting new exhibit has arrived at Rockhampton Zoo and it’s a ‘gibbon’ that the animals will quickly become a community favourite.

Tagged as: , Councillor Cherie Rutherford, Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo

Tenders open for Botanic Gardens & Zoo Visitor Hub

Published on 30 September 2022

Rockhampton Regional Council is inviting tenders for the construction of a new Visitor Hub and Animal Operations Centre at the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens & Zoo.

Tagged as: , Deputy Mayor Neil Fisher, Councillor Cherie Rutherford, Media Releases, Parks and Gardens

Rockhampton Zoo closed all day tomorrow

Published on 06 September 2022

Rockhampton Zoo will be closed to the public all day on Wednesday 7 September to allow for essential tree trimming and grounds maintenance.

Tagged as: , Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo, Parks and Gardens

Rockhampton Zoo visitors choose to support koala research

Published on 28 July 2022

Everyone loves a koala, including visitors attending Rockhampton Zoo who this past financial year chose to support research into the future of the Aussie icons.

Tagged as: , Councillor Cherie Rutherford, Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo

Rocky Zoo marks World Chimp Day

Published on 14 July 2022

Rockhampton Regional Council has swung into this World Chimp Day with a donation to help protect wild populations in the rainforests of Liberia.

Tagged as: , Councillor Cherie Rutherford, Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo

Rockhampton Zoo's baby chimp named in a public vote

Published on 31 January 2022

Rockhampton Regional Council recently put the call out for the community to help name the newest member of the chimpanzee troop at The Rockhampton Zoo - and the responses flooded in.

Tagged as: , Councillor Cherie Rutherford, Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo

Help name the newest member of the Rockhampton Zoo family

Published on 19 January 2022

Rockhampton Regional Council is calling on the community to help name the newest member of the chimpanzee family at Rockhampton Zoo.

Tagged as: , Councillor Cherie Rutherford, Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo

It’s a girl!

Published on 22 December 2021

Rockhampton Zoo has today announced that the newest member of the chimpanzee troop is a girl.

Tagged as: , Councillor Cherie Rutherford, Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo

Presents all around for Rockhampton Zoo animals

Published on 20 December 2021

Cheerful chimps, mischievous meerkats, outgoing otters and the charming crocodile enjoyed early Christmas presents from the staff today at the Rockhampton Zoo.

From bonbons to Christmas feasts, the animals received treats specially made for their diets and interests.

Tagged as: , Councillor Cherie Rutherford, Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo

Rockhampton Zoo announces safe arrival of baby chimpanzee

Published on 09 December 2021

Christmas has come early for Rockhampton Zoo and zoo-goers this morning, with the exciting news that the chimpanzee troop has a new family member.

Tagged as: , Councillor Cherie Rutherford, Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo

New baby to join the troop at Rockhampton Zoo

Published on 24 November 2021

Rockhampton Zoo’s beloved chimp, Leakey, is only weeks away from welcoming the troop’s newest addition.

The 26-year-old chimp is mum to cheeky toddler Capri, and is expected to give birth to her second bub in early December.

Tagged as: , Councillor Cherie Rutherford, Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo

Rockhampton Zoo announces meerkats encounters from next week

Published on 22 October 2021

From next week, zoo-goers will once again be able to get up close and personal with a mischievous meerkat mob.

Tagged as: , Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo, Tourism

Celebrate Wombat Day at Rockhampton Zoo

Published on 20 October 2021

This Friday marks World Wombat Day, and Rockhampton Zoo is encouraging residents to pay a visit to the beautiful bulldozers of the bush.

Tagged as: , Councillor Cherie Rutherford, Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo

Rockhampton Zoo’s Cassius turns 50 years young

Published on 18 October 2021

Rockhampton Zoo has today celebrated the 50th birthday of well-known and much adored chimpanzee, Cassius.

Tagged as: , Councillor Cherie Rutherford, Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo

Say hello to our little friends

Published on 13 September 2021

Six meerkats are getting set to make their public debut at Rockhampton Zoo this week, just in time for the September school holidays.

Tagged as: , Councillor Cherie Rutherford, Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo, Tourism

New baby on the way at Rockhampton Zoo

Published on 03 September 2021

Exciting news has come from Rockhampton Zoo today - the chimpanzee family is growing!

Tagged as: , Councillor Cherie Rutherford, Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo

Rockhampton Botanic Gardens and Zoo redevelopment moves toward designs

Published on 30 August 2021

Rockhampton Regional Council is ready to turn over a new leaf for the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens and Zoo.
In last week’s Council meeting, Council endorsed a concept plan that is set to breathe new life into the local attractions over the next decade.

Tagged as: , Councillor Cherie Rutherford, Councillor Drew Wickerson, Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo, Parks and Gardens

Rockhampton Zoo to launch exciting new encounter

Published on 23 June 2021

Something exciting is about to launch at Rockhampton Zoo.
From this Saturday, a brand new encounter will give visitors the chance to get closer with the resident chimpanzees.

Tagged as: , Councillor Cherie Rutherford, Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo, Tourism

Rockhampton Zoo visitors donate over $30k to wildlife recovery

Published on 09 June 2021

A yearlong fundraiser through Rockhampton Zoo has seen a staggering $30,000 donated by zoo-goers to help support wildlife affected by Australia’s 2020 bushfire crisis.

Tagged as: , Councillor Cherie Rutherford, Media Releases

Heartbreaking outcome for pregnant chimpanzee, Samantha

Published on 30 April 2021

Rockhampton Regional Council has shared the incredibly sad news that the baby of Rockhampton Zoo chimpanzees, Samantha and Alon, was delivered stillborn yesterday afternoon.

Tagged as: , Councillor Cherie Rutherford, Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo

Win a behind the scenes tour of the Zoo!

Published on 18 December 2020

Think our Zoo is worth making a song and dance about? Then show us your rendition of Rockhampton Zoo’s ‘12 Days of Christmas’ before Tuesday 22 December for your chance to go behind the scenes and get up close and personal with some of our animals!

Tagged as: , Councillor Cherie Rutherford, Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo

Another baby on the way for chimpanzee troop at Rockhampton Zoo

Published on 17 December 2020

Rockhampton Zoo is preparing to welcome another baby chimpanzee!

Parks Councillor Cherie Rutherford, together with Rockhampton Zoo staff, made the exciting announcement this morning that 37-year-old member of the troop, Samantha, is expected to give birth next April.

Tagged as: , Councillor Cherie Rutherford, Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo

New feathered family member for Rockhampton Zoo

Published on 10 December 2020

An adorable three month old emu chick is currently settling into her new home at Rockhampton Zoo.

Tagged as: , Councillor Cherie Rutherford, Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo

Celebrate World Chimp Day with a virtual talk!

Published on 13 July 2020

Rockhampton Regional Council are providing an online way to enjoy World Chimp Day, with a virtual keeper talk from Rockhampton Zoo.

Tagged as: , Councillor Cherie Rutherford, Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo

Rockhampton Zoo opening tomorrow

Published on 26 June 2020

Rockhampton Regional Council today confirmed that the opening date for Rockhampton Zoo has been brought forward to tomorrow, Saturday 27 June. The Zoo will now be open 7 days a week from 10am to 4pm.

Tagged as: , Rockhampton Zoo

Libraries and Zoo to reopen!

Published on 23 June 2020

With Stage 3 of lifting COVID-19 restrictions fast approaching, Rockhampton Regional Council today announced plans to reopen Rockhampton Zoo and the Southside, Northside, Mount Morgan and Gracemere libraries.

Tagged as: , Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo, Rockhampton Regional Libraries

Guess who’s coming to the Zoo?

Published on 25 May 2020

Rocky Zoo is getting ready to welcome some mischievous new residents, with works soon to begin on a brand new enclosure!

Tagged as: , Councillor Cherie Rutherford, Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo

Looking after our animals in lockdown

Published on 27 April 2020

Rockhampton Zoo may be currently closed to the public, but plenty is still going on behind the locked gates.

Tagged as: , Councillor Cherie Rutherford, Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo

His name is Gandali!

Published on 02 March 2020

Over 200 people showed up to our naming event at Rockhampton Zoo on Saturday, where Holly and Alon's baby was named Gandali.

Tagged as: , Events & Activities, Rockhampton Zoo

Find out our little boy’s name!

Published on 25 February 2020

A very special event will take place at the Rockhampton Zoo this Saturday as the new baby chimpanzee is named.

Tagged as: , Events & Activities, Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo, Deputy Mayor Councillor Rutherford

World goes otter-ly mad for Rocky Zoo

Published on 20 February 2020

We all know that our local zoo is home to some incredibly playful and adorable animals, and it seems the world agrees. A Facebook post of two of Rockhampton Zoo’s Asiatic small-clawed otters, Tomio and Misumi, has been drawing international attention – receiving interest from more than 20 countries and over 1.87 million people.

Tagged as: , Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo, Deputy Mayor Councillor Rutherford

Come meet our baby – and help us name him!

Published on 14 February 2020

Hearts across the Rockhampton Region melted last week as Rockhampton Zoo announced the arrival of a happy and healthy baby chimpanzee. Now the little one is ready to meet the public! The chimpanzee enclosure reopened today and the community is being asked not only to visit, but to help name the new arrival.

Tagged as: , Deputy Mayor Councillor Rutherford, Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo

Help name our new baby boy!

Published on 13 February 2020

Tagged as: , Rockhampton Zoo

It’s a boy!

Published on 07 February 2020

Rockhampton Zoo this morning confirmed that the zoo’s newest member of the family, a baby chimpanzee born to mum Holly and Dad Alon on Monday, is a little boy.

Tagged as: , Deputy Mayor Councillor Rutherford, Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo

First images of our new baby chimp!

Published on 05 February 2020

Rockhampton Zoo has shared the first images that have been captured of Holly’s new baby, which was born on Monday.

Tagged as: , Deputy Mayor Councillor Rutherford, Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo

New arrival at Rockhampton Zoo

Published on 03 February 2020

Rockhampton Zoo has this morning welcomed the birth of a baby chimpanzee!

Tagged as: , Deputy Mayor Councillor Rutherford, Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo

Early Christmas for Rocky Zoo animals

Published on 20 December 2019

The animals at Rockhampton Zoo must have made Santa’s ‘nice’ list, because today they received some early Christmas presents!

Tagged as: , Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo, Deputy Mayor Councillor Rutherford

Baby Chimpanzee Results

Published on 18 December 2019

Rockhampton Zoo has now received the results of a necropsy following the still birth of resident Chimpanzee Samantha’s baby last month.

Tagged as: , Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo

Rockhampton Zoo announces third chimpanzee pregnancy in two years

Published on 10 October 2019

There must be something in the water at Rockhampton Zoo as it has today announced a third chimpanzee pregnancy in two years.

Tagged as: , Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo, Deputy Mayor Councillor Rutherford

Samantha showing at 6 months

Published on 29 August 2019

Samantha, the pregnant chimpanzee at Rockhampton Zoo, is sporting a baby bump and a big appetite as she hits the 6 month mark of her pregnancy.

Tagged as: , Deputy Mayor Councillor Rutherford, Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo

Baby Capri set to become a big sister!

Published on 15 July 2019

Rockhampton Regional Council has announced that the Rockhampton Zoo is expecting an exciting new addition to their chimp family!

Tagged as: , Deputy Mayor Councillor Rutherford, Advance Rockhampton, Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo

Celebrate our cheeky chimp cousins at the Zoo

Published on 10 July 2019

This Sunday is World Chimpanzee Day, and Rockhampton Zoo will be hosting a celebration of humankind’s closest relatives.

Tagged as: , Deputy Mayor Councillor Rutherford, Events & Activities, Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo

Zoo animals enjoy Easter surprise

Published on 18 April 2019

The animals at Rockhampton Zoo enjoyed their own Easter celebrations today with eggs and bunnies made especially for them.

Tagged as: , Deputy Mayor Councillor Rutherford, Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo, Parks and Gardens

Otter-ly adorable new Zoo animals

Published on 17 April 2019

Rocky Zoo has welcomed two cheeky new Asiatic small-clawed otters named Tomio and Misumi.

Tagged as: , Deputy Mayor Councillor Rutherford, Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo

Meet Rocky Zoo’s newest wedge-tailed resident

Published on 04 April 2019

These school holidays, eagle-eyed visitors to Rockhampton Zoo can look forward to spotting a stunning new addition. Valkyrie, a young wedge-tailed eagle, has been settling in to her new home and is ready to meet visitors.

Tagged as: , Deputy Mayor Councillor Rutherford, Rockhampton Zoo, Tourism

Come and celebrate baby chimp Capri's first birthday

Published on 07 February 2019

Residents and visitors alike are invited to join Rockhampton Zoo to mark an incredibly special milestone on Tuesday 12 February, with one of the community’s favourite animals, baby chimpanzee Capri, celebrating her first birthday.

Tagged as: , Media Releases, Rockhampton Zoo, Deputy Mayor Councillor Rutherford

Another milestone for Capri

Published on 09 July 2018

Rockhampton Zoo’s baby chimpanzee Capri continues to delight crowds after reaching a new milestone – taking her first steps.

Tagged as: , Media Releases, Deputy Mayor Councillor Rutherford