Natureland Wildlife Trust

Based in Whakatū (Nelson), Natureland Zoo is a community conservation charity and the only wildlife park in Te Tauihu (the Top of the South). We serve as an outdoor classroom to connect people with nature, science, and kaitiakitanga.

Our Conservation Work

Every education booking directly funds our local wildlife recovery work:

• Breed-for-Release: Breeding endangered native species (Kākā, Kākāriki, and Pāteke) for release into Abel Tasman National Park alongside DOC and Project Janszoon.
• Iwi Partnerships: Partnering with Ngāti Koata to care for and preserve tuatara.
• Local Biodiversity: Monitoring multiple traplines, part of 2 breed-for-release programmes for vulnerable native bird, and supporting Kea Conservation Trust research.

Education & Curriculum Programmes

Led by our on-site Conservation Educator, we offer hands-on, curriculum-aligned sessions tailored to all levels (ECE through High School).

• Wild Aotearoa: Focuses on NZ biodiversity, native species, and ecosystem protection. (Links to Senior Biology)
• Adaptations: Exploring evolutionary survival traits in native and exotic animals. (Links to NCEA Bio 91155, 90929)
• Endangered Species: Real-world data on extinction threats and breed-for-release conservation success stories.
• Behavioural Enrichment: The science of animal welfare. Students learn about the five domains of animal welfare and the science behind enrichment items and activities.
• Classification: Hands-on scientific observation and grouping animals by their physical features.

Contact our Educator today to book your session.

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