Darling Downs Zoo facts for kids
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| Date opened | 2004 |
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| Location | Pilton, Queensland, Australia |
| Land area | 50 acres (20 ha) |
| Coordinates | 27°53′32″S 152°01′12″E / 27.892277°S 152.020035°E |
| No. of animals | 500 (approx.) |
| No. of species | 100+ |
| Memberships | Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA) |
The Darling Downs Zoo is an exciting zoo located in Pilton, Queensland, Australia. It's a great place to learn about animals from all over the world! The zoo is designed with four special areas. Each area features amazing animals from a different continent: Africa, South America, South-east Asia, and Australia.
Contents
A Look Back: Zoo History
The Darling Downs Zoo first opened its doors in 2004. Like many places, the zoo faced some challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. It had to close for a while, from March 27 to June 9, 2020, because of government rules.
During this time, the zoo needed help to feed all its animals, especially the big ones! Luckily, many kind people and banks offered support. The zoo also started a special fundraising page online. This helped them gather money to make sure all the animals were well cared for until visitors could return.
Meet the Animals: Species at the Zoo
The Darling Downs Zoo is home to over 500 animals from more than 100 different species. You can explore animals from various parts of the world!
Animals from Africa
Step into the African section and discover incredible creatures from the African continent.
- Grant's zebra
- Cheetah
- African lion
- White lion
- Pygmy hippopotamus
- Meerkat
- Crested porcupine
- Addax
- Hamadryas baboon
- Ostrich
- Giraffe
- Dromedary camel
- Serval
- Grey parrot
Animals from Asia
Journey to Asia and see some of the amazing animals that live there.
- Sumatran tiger
- Rhesus macaque
- Siamang
- Blackbuck
- Sri Lankan leopard (These big cats were expected to arrive in late 2020!)
- Komodo dragon
- Golden pheasant
Animals from Australia
Explore the Australian section to meet native animals from the zoo's home country.
- Red kangaroo
- Dingo
- Common brushtail possum
- Emu
- Swamp wallaby
- Wombat
- Koala
- Gang-gang cockatoo
- Yellow-tailed black cockatoo
- Spoonbill
- Corella
- Australian bustard
- Eastern grass owl
Reptiles and More
The zoo also has a fascinating collection of reptiles and other unique animals.
- Saltwater crocodile
- American alligator
- Lace monitor
- Yellow anaconda
- Rhinoceros iguana
- Aldabra giant tortoise
- Radiated tortoise
- Boa constrictor
Animals from South America
Travel to South America and discover animals from the rainforests and plains of this continent.
