Are Aussies wasting $180 on this controversial experience? Here’s what really happened
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If you’ve ever dreamed of getting up close and personal with some of Australia’s most adorable wildlife, you’re not alone.
Many of us have fond memories of visiting the zoo with our kids or grandkids, marvelling at the animals and maybe even sneaking in a cheeky pat or two.
But what happens when a zoo’s latest animal encounter sparks more outrage than awe?
That’s exactly what unfolded recently at Central Coast Zoo in New South Wales, after a video promoting their new $180 'bottle-feeding baby meerkats' experience went viral.
The video, which has racked up over 400,000 views, shows two keepers cradling tiny meerkats and offering them bottles, with the promise: 'Have you ever wanted to cuddle a baby meerkat? We’re one-upping that for the first time in Australia’s history. We are doing bottle feeding for our hand-raised meerkats.'
For some, this sounded like a dream come true. The comments section was flooded with excited would-be visitors: 'That’s like my dream!' and 'How do I book?' were just a few of the enthusiastic responses.
But not everyone was thrilled. Wildlife advocates, including a vet with zoo experience and a seasoned meerkat handler from another facility, quickly raised the alarm.
Their concerns? That bottle-feeding by untrained members of the public could put the meerkats at risk of accidental drowning, stress from excessive handling, and even long-term behavioural issues like imprinting on humans.
The controversy grew so heated that the matter was reported to the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPIRD), the body responsible for making sure zoos follow strict animal welfare laws.
So, what’s really going on behind the scenes? According to Jen, a manager at Central Coast Zoo, the whole thing was a bit of a 'publicity stunt' that’s been blown out of proportion.
'It’s something fun,' she explained, adding that the term 'bottle-feeding' was used more for marketing than for accuracy. In reality, the meerkats in question are already seven weeks old, weaned, and eating solids.
The 'feeding' is more of a gentle nibble at the bottle’s teat while sitting on a visitor’s lap—far from the image of a helpless newborn being cradled and fed.
Jen was quick to reassure the public that animal welfare is a top priority at the zoo. 'We have a vet, we have an animal welfare charter, we work within the Five Domains,' she said, referencing the internationally recognised standards for animal care: nutrition, environment, health, behaviour, and mental state.
The DPIRD also weighed in, stating that they are 'committed to safeguarding the welfare of animals' and are working closely with the zoo to ensure all licensing conditions are met.
Still, not everyone is convinced. Kareena, a keeper at another zoo who first raised concerns, said she felt 'better about the situation' after hearing the zoo’s explanation, but she remains uneasy about exposing such young, fragile animals to the public.
'These meerkat pups are tiny, they’re so young, they’re so fragile, they shouldn’t be in a space with people,' she said, pointing out the risks of germs and underdeveloped immune systems.
Dr Tania Bishop, a wildlife vet, took a broader view, saying the debate is a healthy one. 'It’s important for anyone wanting to have experiences with wildlife to do their due diligence, and to make sure animals are being treated in a fair and humane way in order for them to interact with them,' she said.
This isn’t the first time animal experiences at zoos have come under scrutiny. Across Australia, 'encounter' packages—where visitors can feed, pat, or even hold animals—are big business, especially during school holidays.
They can be a fantastic way to foster a love of wildlife and support conservation efforts, but they also raise important questions about animal welfare, especially when young or vulnerable animals are involved.
Source: @centralcoastzoo / Tiktok.
The Five Domains model, which Central Coast Zoo says it follows, is considered the gold standard for animal welfare. It covers not just physical health, but also the animal’s mental state and ability to express natural behaviours.
If you’re considering booking an animal encounter, it’s worth asking the zoo about their welfare policies and how they ensure the animals’ needs are met.
At $180, the meerkat experience isn’t cheap. For that price, you’d want to be sure you’re not only getting a memorable encounter, but also supporting a facility that puts animal welfare first.
Many zoos reinvest the proceeds from these experiences into conservation and education programs, but it’s always wise to check where your money is going.
Read more: Unlock a FREE ticket to Madame Tussauds or WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo—Don’t miss out on this winter school holidays secret!
Have you ever taken part in an animal encounter at a zoo? Would you pay $180 to bottle-feed a meerkat, or do you think these experiences go too far? We’d love to hear your thoughts—share your stories and opinions in the comments below!
Many of us have fond memories of visiting the zoo with our kids or grandkids, marvelling at the animals and maybe even sneaking in a cheeky pat or two.
But what happens when a zoo’s latest animal encounter sparks more outrage than awe?
That’s exactly what unfolded recently at Central Coast Zoo in New South Wales, after a video promoting their new $180 'bottle-feeding baby meerkats' experience went viral.
The video, which has racked up over 400,000 views, shows two keepers cradling tiny meerkats and offering them bottles, with the promise: 'Have you ever wanted to cuddle a baby meerkat? We’re one-upping that for the first time in Australia’s history. We are doing bottle feeding for our hand-raised meerkats.'
For some, this sounded like a dream come true. The comments section was flooded with excited would-be visitors: 'That’s like my dream!' and 'How do I book?' were just a few of the enthusiastic responses.
But not everyone was thrilled. Wildlife advocates, including a vet with zoo experience and a seasoned meerkat handler from another facility, quickly raised the alarm.
Central Coast Zoo in NSW advertised a $180 bottle-feeding experience with baby meerkats, sparking both excitement and serious concerns from some animal welfare advocates. Image source: @centralcoastzoo_ / Tiktok.
Their concerns? That bottle-feeding by untrained members of the public could put the meerkats at risk of accidental drowning, stress from excessive handling, and even long-term behavioural issues like imprinting on humans.
The controversy grew so heated that the matter was reported to the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPIRD), the body responsible for making sure zoos follow strict animal welfare laws.
So, what’s really going on behind the scenes? According to Jen, a manager at Central Coast Zoo, the whole thing was a bit of a 'publicity stunt' that’s been blown out of proportion.
'It’s something fun,' she explained, adding that the term 'bottle-feeding' was used more for marketing than for accuracy. In reality, the meerkats in question are already seven weeks old, weaned, and eating solids.
The 'feeding' is more of a gentle nibble at the bottle’s teat while sitting on a visitor’s lap—far from the image of a helpless newborn being cradled and fed.
Jen was quick to reassure the public that animal welfare is a top priority at the zoo. 'We have a vet, we have an animal welfare charter, we work within the Five Domains,' she said, referencing the internationally recognised standards for animal care: nutrition, environment, health, behaviour, and mental state.
The DPIRD also weighed in, stating that they are 'committed to safeguarding the welfare of animals' and are working closely with the zoo to ensure all licensing conditions are met.
Still, not everyone is convinced. Kareena, a keeper at another zoo who first raised concerns, said she felt 'better about the situation' after hearing the zoo’s explanation, but she remains uneasy about exposing such young, fragile animals to the public.
'These meerkat pups are tiny, they’re so young, they’re so fragile, they shouldn’t be in a space with people,' she said, pointing out the risks of germs and underdeveloped immune systems.
Dr Tania Bishop, a wildlife vet, took a broader view, saying the debate is a healthy one. 'It’s important for anyone wanting to have experiences with wildlife to do their due diligence, and to make sure animals are being treated in a fair and humane way in order for them to interact with them,' she said.
This isn’t the first time animal experiences at zoos have come under scrutiny. Across Australia, 'encounter' packages—where visitors can feed, pat, or even hold animals—are big business, especially during school holidays.
They can be a fantastic way to foster a love of wildlife and support conservation efforts, but they also raise important questions about animal welfare, especially when young or vulnerable animals are involved.
Source: @centralcoastzoo / Tiktok.
The Five Domains model, which Central Coast Zoo says it follows, is considered the gold standard for animal welfare. It covers not just physical health, but also the animal’s mental state and ability to express natural behaviours.
If you’re considering booking an animal encounter, it’s worth asking the zoo about their welfare policies and how they ensure the animals’ needs are met.
At $180, the meerkat experience isn’t cheap. For that price, you’d want to be sure you’re not only getting a memorable encounter, but also supporting a facility that puts animal welfare first.
Many zoos reinvest the proceeds from these experiences into conservation and education programs, but it’s always wise to check where your money is going.
Read more: Unlock a FREE ticket to Madame Tussauds or WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo—Don’t miss out on this winter school holidays secret!
Have you ever taken part in an animal encounter at a zoo? Would you pay $180 to bottle-feed a meerkat, or do you think these experiences go too far? We’d love to hear your thoughts—share your stories and opinions in the comments below!
