Terms & Conditions

Interactive tours and encounters

Please read the terms and conditions carefully.

For Meet-a-Cheetah bookings – please see the complete Terms and Conditions for this experience by clicking here.

By making a booking for a Tour or Encounter, you warrant that you have read these terms and conditions and agree to be bound by them.

  • Prior to making a booking, you must notify the National Zoo & Aquarium of any disability that may prevent you or your companion/s or a participant from understanding directions, or that could result in unpredictable behaviour or that interferes with a person’s mobility.

  • You and your companion/s or the participant must have the ability to fully comprehend and follow any directions/orders given by the Zookeeper/s, during the tour/encounter at any time.

  • You and your companion/s or the participant must be mobile enough to walk without assistance.

  • It is advised that anyone pregnant seek medical advice before interacting with cats.

  • Participants must meet the minimum age and height requirements where applicable:

  • African Savannah Safari and Awesome Roarsome Tour - min. 6 years old

  • WOW Tour - min. 14 years old

  • Family WOW Tour - min. 6 years old

  • Animal Encounters - Determined per encounter

  • Please note - Children 15 years or under are required to be accompanied by a paying adult on the Encounter/Tour

  • A copy of the National Zoo & Aquarium Indemnity and Release form has been provided with the booking confirmation and must be completed by customers taking part in any or all Tours/interactive experiences. A physical copy will be available at check-in if required. Participants between 16 and 18 years who are not accompanied by a guardian must have the Indemnity and Release form signed by a parent or legal guardian and it must be presented on check-in. Indemnity Form Link

  • Check-in time for Tour and Encounter participants is a minimum of 30 minutes prior to the Tour/Encounter time at Reception or 10 minutes at the meeting point. Check-in time for W.O.W customers is 7.45 am. If you miss your booked time as a result of being late or through simply not showing up, you will not be permitted to reschedule and will forfeit any monies paid.

  • The National Zoo & Aquarium has the right to remove from the tour and zoo grounds if necessary any person(s) believed to be a danger or potential risk to themselves, anyone else or any animal.

  • Zoo entry is not included for individual single animal encounters (with the exception of Cheetah experiences where zoo entry is free) Entry is required to be paid on arrival/check in. Entry is free for all visitors undertaking tours (not encounters).

  • The behaviour of any of the animals or the outcome/level of interaction is not guaranteed under any circumstances (e.g. we cannot guarantee whether the cheetahs will be playful, lazy, cuddly or active).

  • In the event of rain, all Tours and Encounters will still go ahead unless deemed dangerous by zoo staff.

The use of whistles of any type, anywhere on the zoo grounds is strictly prohibited. These are used by zoo staff in an extreme emergency.

Cheetah Experiences Terms & Conditions

Although the cheetahs enjoy their time meeting guests, it must be remembered that they are big cats (and predators) and as such they:

  • Can take an undue interest in anything unusual (big cameras, long hair, animal prints etc)

  • Can try to dominate anyone who is small, so height and age restrictions apply

  • Have a sixth sense that allows them to quickly identify prey that has a physical disability. With people, this could be any physical impairment including a limp, a prosthetic limb, very poor eyesight etc.

Additionally, the cheetah may be in a playful mood and may wish to over-engage with the visitor. Guests are required to be able to respond quickly to keepers directions to stand up, move back etc. Good mobility and motor skills are essential and those with restricted movement due to a physical impairment or their age or weight, may not be able to do the encounter. If you are unable to kneel down to pat the cheetah and be able to stand up quickly if required, you may still be able to go on the encounter but not get in a position to pat the cheetah. Speak to the zoo beforehand.

There is always some risk in any animal encounter. Please understand that we cannot let you do the encounter if we feel your safety could be further at risk due to a physical impairment. If you have any concerns about meeting the requirements above or below, please contact the zoo well before your encounter on 6287 8413 to discuss if you are eligible. As most encounters are booked out, any late cancellation due to a visitor not meeting all the requirements on this form will not be eligible for a refund.

Cancellation policy for tours & encounters

Meet-a-Cheetah Experience – Terms and Conditions

We’re delighted to offer you the opportunity to meet our cheetahs up close. While they are calm and used to meeting guests, it’s important to remember they are still large predators. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, please read and follow the guidelines below.

General Safety

Our cheetahs are curious animals and may take interest in unusual items or respond differently to certain movements or physical traits. For everyone’s safety, participants must be able to always follow keeper instructions quickly and calmly.

Please notify the zoo before booking if you have a physical or intellectual disability, limited vision, or other condition that may affect participation or the ability to follow instructions.

We reserve the right to restrict participation if we believe safety could be affected. Refunds cannot be issued for cancellations made on the day due to eligibility issues.

By booking, you acknowledge that you have read and accept these terms and conditions. These terms may be updated at any time without notice.

Age and Height Requirements

  • Meet-a-Cheetah: Minimum age 14 years

  • Greet the Cheetah Boys: Minimum age 16 years

  • Participants under 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult

  • Minimum height: 150 cm

Physical and Communication Requirements

Participants must:

  • Be in good health with full mobility and motor skills

  • Be able to move quickly if directed by staff

  • Understand and follow verbal instructions in English (or be accompanied by a paying translator)

Additional information:

  • No walking aids or wheelchairs are permitted inside the enclosure

  • Pregnant visitors should consult their doctor before booking

  • Older participants are welcome if all safety requirements can be met

Dress Code

To ensure safety and comfort:

  • Wear flat, enclosed shoes

  • Avoid animal prints, fur, or loose clothing

  • In wet weather, wear a jacket (no ponchos or umbrellas)

Photography

You are welcome to bring a small camera or phone. Please note:

  • Keepers will take photos for you at times during the encounter, but photography is not the main focus of the session

  • Only small cameras are permitted — no large lenses, GoPros, or selfie sticks

  • iPads and tablets are not allowed

  • The zoo is not responsible for any damage to personal items

Weather

In extreme weather, encounters may be cancelled at the keeper’s discretion. Guests will be offered the option to reschedule or receive a voucher for future use.

Arrival and Documentation

  • Please arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time

  • Late arrivals or no-shows cannot be refunded

  • A rescheduling fee applies if you wish to move your booking

  • All participants must complete a National Zoo & Aquarium Indemnity and Release Form upon check-in

  • Participants aged 16–17 not accompanied by a parent must bring a signed form from their parent or guardian

Failure to meet these terms may result in cancellation of your encounter without refund.