ACT Tourism Awards

We are beyond excited to share that the National Zoo & Aquarium and Jamala Wildlife Lodge have taken out multiple wins at the 2025 ACT Tourism Awards ✨🐾

This year we were honoured to receive:

🥇 WINNER: Excellence in Accessible Tourism

🥇 WINNER: Tourism Visitor Education

🥇 WINNER: Unique Accommodation for Jamala Wildlife Lodge

⭐COMMENDATION: Major Tourist Attraction

These achievements are a true testament to our incredible team whose passion and dedication create unforgettable experiences for every visitor, guest and animal in our care. We are immensely proud of the hard work that went into making this year such a success and we are already excited for what 2026 will bring.

A huge shout-out to our team members Chara, Renee, Jess, Michael, Will and Sophie for their countless hours, late nights and unwavering commitment this awards season. We could not have done this without you ❤️🐾

Bluebell Sustainable Business Awards

We are proud to announce that we have been awarded the Corporate Climate Leader at the Bluebell Sustainable Business Awards, the ACT’s highest honour for sustainability in our sector.

This prestigious accolade celebrates the zoo’s commitment to environmental excellence and climate action. Our dedication extends beyond infrastructure. We aim to inspire every visitor to take action through our visible sustainability efforts, community engagement and educational programs that champion climate leadership.

♻️ Recycling Champion: Sue Fallon and the Container Deposit Scheme

A special congratulations goes to volunteer Sue Fallon, who was Highly Commended for her outstanding individual contribution to sustainability. Over the past seven years, Sue has led our Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) initiative, rallying the zoo’s Green Team to collect and return more than 920,000 bottles, cans, and containers.

This remarkable effort has raised over $92,000 for wildlife care and conservation, turning everyday recycling into a powerful force for change. With your continued support, Sue and the NZACT team are calling on the community to help us reach our goal of one million containers by Christmas, an incredible milestone in our journey toward a greener future!

💚 How You Can Help Reach One Million Containers💚

♻️ Bring your eligible containers during your next zoo visit or drop them at our CDS collection bins at Main Reception in Car Park 1 or Car Park 4. Look out for the purple bins!

♻️ Recycle for conservation - encourage friends and family to donate at Return It drop points and nominate funds to go to the National Zoo & Aquarium Conzoovation Team (NZACT).

♻️ Sort your waste - use the correct bins for recycling, compost, and general waste while exploring the zoo.

Thank you for being a part of our sustainability story!