Terms & Conditions of Entry

Hobart Zoo & Aquarium (HZAA)

By entering Hobart Zoo & Aquarium (HZAA), you agree to the following Terms & Conditions, which are in place to ensure a safe, respectful, and enjoyable experience for all visitors, staff, and animals. These terms apply to all persons on zoo grounds, including ticket holders, members, group bookings, school visits, NDIS program participants, and private function guests.

1. GENERAL ADMISSION

• Entry to the zoo is only permitted with a valid ticket, membership card, booking confirmation, or event registration.

• HZAA reserves the right to refuse admission or remove any person who:

• Disrupts the experience of other guests

• Disobeys staff instructions or posted signage

• Poses a safety risk to animals, staff, or visitors

• Guests must remain on public paths and are not permitted to enter staff-only or restricted areas at any time.

• HZAA is a family-friendly environment. Offensive language, unruly behaviour, or harassment of staff or other guests will not be tolerated.

2. SUPERVISION OF CHILDREN

• All children under 14 must be supervised by a responsible adult (18+) at all times.

• Adults must accompany children through interactive experiences, playgrounds, and animal encounter zones.

• Running or climbing in non-designated areas is discouraged to ensure the safety of all guests.

3. ANIMAL INTERACTION AND FEEDING

• Guests may interact with animals only during supervised experiences or in designated feeding zones.

• Animal food may only be provided by HZAA. Feeding outside these zones or with outside food is strictly prohibited.

• All guests must follow zoo staff instructions before, during, and after any animal encounter.

• Interaction times are subject to change based on animal health, behaviour, weather conditions, or staffing.

• The welfare of animals is the zoo’s top priority. Any behaviour that distresses or harms animals will result in immediate removal from the zoo.

4. ANIMAL WELFARE & EXHIBIT CLOSURES

• HZAA is committed to the highest standards of animal care. Exhibits or encounters may be closed at short notice for reasons including:

• Animal health or veterinary procedures

• Enclosure cleaning or maintenance

• Adverse weather or emergencies

• Guests acknowledge that visibility of animals is not guaranteed. Animals may be out of view, off-exhibit, or resting.

• Refunds will not be issued due to the unavailability of specific animals or cancelled encounters.

5. HEALTH & SAFETY

• Guests are responsible for their own health and safety during their visit.

• Suitable footwear should be worn at all times. Some areas of the zoo feature natural terrain, uneven ground, gravel paths, boardwalks, or slippery surfaces when wet.

• Climbing fences, entering landscaped or restricted areas, or crossing barriers is strictly prohibited and may result in removal from the premises.

• Emergency first aid is available on-site. Any injury, accident, or health concern must be reported immediately to zoo staff.

• If you feel unwell or require assistance at any point during your visit, notify the nearest staff member.

• The use of skateboards, rollerblades, bicycles, or scooters (except mobility aids) is not allowed inside the zoo.

• HZAA is a smoke-free venue. Smoking or vaping is only allowed in clearly marked outdoor designated smoking areas.

• Guests must comply with all emergency announcements, safety instructions, and evacuation procedures in the event of an emergency.

• Wildlife, including free-roaming birds or insects, may be present in outdoor areas. Please exercise caution and do not disturb native fauna.

• For the safety of all, running is discouraged unless supervised within play areas.

6. LIABILITY AND ASSUMED RISK

• Visitors enter at their own risk. HZAA is not liable for injury, loss, or damage unless caused by proven negligence.

• Risks may include:

• Physical injury from slips, trips, or contact with animals

• Reactions to allergens, noise, or weather

• Emotional distress from animal behaviours or crowd conditions

• Participation in experiences, encounters, or feeding involves voluntary acceptance of these risks.

• Guests are responsible for supervising dependents and ensuring their actions do not endanger others.

• Personal belongings are the responsibility of the guest. HZAA accepts no liability for lost or damaged items.

7. PHOTOGRAPHY AND MEDIA

• Photography and video for personal use are permitted, provided they do not disturb animals or other guests.

• Flash photography, tripods, or drones are not allowed.

• HZAA may photograph or film visitors for promotional or educational purposes. Entry implies consent to use such images unless stated otherwise upon entry.

• Commercial or media photography must be approved in writing by zoo management in advance.

8. PROHIBITED ITEMS

• For the safety of animals, staff, and guests, the following are prohibited:

• Outside food or drink intended for animals

• Alcohol, illegal substances, or intoxicated behaviour

• Weapons, sharp objects, or glass containers

• Drones or remote-operated devices

• Pets (excluding certified assistance animals with appropriate identification)

• Bags and personal items may be subject to inspection by staff if deemed necessary for safety or security.

9. TICKETS, REFUNDS & RE-ENTRY

• Tickets are non-transferable and valid only for the date of issue unless otherwise specified.

• Refunds will not be provided for change of mind, weather conditions, animal visibility, or missed sessions.

• Re-entry is permitted on the same day with a wristband, hand stamp, or valid ticket proof.

• Promotional offers, discounts, or free entry days may have additional conditions or exclusions.

10. SCHOOL GROUP VISITS

• School groups must pre-book in advance and will be allocated a scheduled arrival time.

• Teachers and supervisors are responsible for the conduct and safety of students.

• One adult per 10 students is required to ensure adequate supervision.

• Group leaders must attend a safety briefing on arrival.

• Activities and tours may be adjusted based on animal welfare or weather.

11. NDIS PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS

• All NDIS participants must have valid plan-managed or self-managed status.

• Participants must be accompanied by a support person unless otherwise arranged.

• Bookings must be confirmed prior to arrival and include required documentation.

• The program includes scheduled activities; adjustments can be made with notice to accommodate individual needs.

• Support staff are responsible for participant safety and behavioural support.

12. PRIVATE FUNCTIONS AND VENUE HIRE

• Private functions must be pre-booked with a signed venue hire agreement.

• Setup and pack-down times must be within agreed timeframes.

• Hosts are responsible for the behaviour and safety of their guests.

• Noise levels must be kept respectful of animals and other zoo visitors.

• Alcohol may only be served with written permission and a valid liquor licence.

 CONTACT US

For questions, accessibility support, or further assistance, please contact:

guestservices@hzaa.com.au
(03) 6260 2444