Our story

Meet Stuart Webster – The Vision Behind Hobart Zoo & Aquarium

Ever since I was eight years old, I’ve dreamed of owning a zoo. Today, that lifelong passion has become Hobart Zoo & Aquarium — a place dedicated to exceptional animal care, immersive habitats and meaningful connections between people and wildlife.

Over the past 40 years, I’ve visited more than 500 zoos around the world, learning from leading zoological institutions and shaping a vision for a modern zoo focused on conservation, education and animal wellbeing.

IMG 7999 Landscape

Our Vision

Hobart Zoo & Aquarium is a contemporary zoological institution dedicated to wildlife conservation, environmental education, animal welfare and sustainable community engagement. 

Guided by our Six Pillars of Conservation, HZAA aims to inspire positive change for wildlife while contributing meaningfully to regional and global conservation outcomes.

We strive to create immersive experiences that encourage meaningful connections between people, wildlife and the natural world while fostering curiosity, empathy and long-term environmental responsibility.

IMG 9269

Our Mission

Founded through the lifelong vision and passion of owner Stuart Webster, HZAA has been shaped by a deep commitment to zoos as places of education, connection and conservation.

HZAA combines immersive visitor experiences with evidence-based conservation programs, professional animal care and sustainability-focused operations designed to increase public understanding of biodiversity, ecological responsibility and conservation action.

We believe modern zoos and aquariums have a responsibility not only to care for animals, but also to educate communities, support science, restore ecosystems and empower future generations to value and protect wildlife.

Stuart And Jack

Education & Community Impact

Education sits at the core of HZAA’s mission and strategic direction. The organisation is committed to making high-quality conservation and environmental education accessible to children across Tasmania and beyond.

HZAA delivers free online educational programs from Prep through to Year 12, aligned with the Tasmanian Curriculum and designed to support real-world wildlife and conservation learning through engaging educational experiences.

A key strategic focus of HZAA is becoming a leading community hub where families, schools and visitors can learn, explore and connect with nature through immersive exhibits, interactive learning experiences and conservation-focused programs.

HZAA also supports public education surrounding wildlife health, biosecurity and emerging environmental issues, including Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to conservation leadership and responsible environmental stewardship.

Encounters FOR TV (1120 X 480 Px)

Subscribe to our newsletter

Our Newsletter provides a deeper insight, including exciting news, full stories, a look behind the scenes, special offers, and more!