Lemur Close Encounter

Step into Christchurch's own slice of Madagascar with a Lemur Close Encounter!

Meet Orana’s fluffiest and most charismatic residents, the black and white ruffed lemurs. During this experience, you’ll venture on to the lemur island to come face-to-face with these striking primates and even help feed them their afternoon snack!

Guided by our expert keepers, you’ll discover fascinating insights into their behaviour, learn about their conservation status, and what makes these endangered animals so extraordinary.

With only 4 people per session, this encounter offers a rare chance to connect with lemurs in a natural island setting, a truly unforgettable moment for animal lovers of all ages.

 

NEED TO KNOW

Price: $69.50pp - admission additional

Time: 1:30pm, approx 20mins

Days: Friday and Saturday 

Age Restriction: 8yrs and above, those 8-15yrs must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Ticket Availability: 4 per day, tickets are released 28 days in advance.

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Terms & Conditions

Click here for full Park and encounter terms and conditions.

 

Age & Participation Requirements

• Minimum age: 8 years
• Children aged 8–15 must be accompanied by an adult
• Participants must be 16 or older to join without a guardian
• You must be 18 or older to book a close encounter
• One adult chaperone is required per two children
  
  

On the Day

• Please arrive at least 45 minutes early (by 12.45pm at the latest) to complete a liability waiver and collect your ticket from the gift shop
• Due to the location of the encounter, all participants must be able to walk unassisted, as this encounter is not wheelchair accessible
• Participants will need to wear closed footwear and follow all hygiene protocols including hand sanitizing & wearing PPE gloves (which will be provided). Masks are also available for those who may be susceptible to allergies

• All personnel belongings to be kept on designated shelves. Except one mobile phone per booked group. This is to be handed to the keeper once you are on the Island habitat.
• Our keeper will take photos for you, so you can focus fully on the moment without distraction. Please note that the OWP staff are not responsible for any loss or damage to your mobile phone.
• Participants understand that the encounter may be ceased at any time at the discretion of the keeper
  
  

Animal Welfare & Safety 

• Always follow all staff instructions
• Do not attempt to touch the lemurs
• Encounters are voluntary for our animals – they may choose to remain out of view
• Orana Wildlife Park may cancel or end a tour at any time for safety or welfare reasons
• Guests displaying cold or flu-like symptoms must wear a mask
  
  

Booking & Cancellation

• Full payment is required at time of booking
• All sales are final – no refunds for missed encounters
• Rescheduling is possible if arranged at least 72 hours in advance
• Orana may cancel or reschedule encounters due to animal needs
• If rescheduling isn’t possible, a refund will be offered