Jamala Wildlife Lodge Canberra

Jamala Wildlife Lodge and the National Zoo and Aquarium are owned and run by a local family that have seen five generations born in Canberra. Their aim is that the funds from Jamala allow the zoo and Jamala Wildlife Lodge to continue to grow and to subsidise the zoo’s support for:

• the conservation of animals in the wild through direct cash donations
• national and international breeding programs
• educational programs for both adults and children

The entire Jamala experience has been designed to maximise the opportunity to subtly impress on its guests that everything possible should be done to ensure that these magnificent animals survive in the wild, whilst providing its guests with a combination of luxury and adventure.

Jamala Wildlife Lodge offers you the opportunity of experiencing the thrill of close encounters with some of the world’s most dangerous and endangered animals, as well as relaxing in the unique atmosphere of its three individually designed five-star accommodation precincts; uShaka Lodge, Giraffe Treehouses and the Jungle Bungalows.

The African inspired luxury suites lie in the heart of the National Zoo & Aquarium in Canberra and epitomize style and comfort. The combination of opulent surroundings, incredible animal encounters and gourmet cuisine, alongside Jamala’s five-star hospitality ensures that all guests share in a once in a lifetime experience during their stay.

THE HISTORY
In 1998 Richard and Maureen Tindale purchased what was then an aquarium and small native wildlife park, after it had gone into liquidation for a second time.

They set about building a major zoo that housed animals in as comfortable surroundings as possible. As such, most of the enclosure sizes at the zoo are far larger than found in other urban zoos and the husbandry and welfare are aimed at achieving world’s best practices.

Their first objective was to take on a number of animals that had spent their life in circuses or inadequate private collections and give them a leisurely retirement home, where they could do as they pleased, rather than as they were forced to do. Many of these animals had never experienced anything bigger than a circus trailer or circus ring and all quickly bonded with the keepers and the owners.

Over the next two decades, the zoo has grown in size and reputation to be a leading facility in Australia, actively contributing to Breeding Programs and helping to educate our next generation to take better care of our wildlife than previous generations have done.

The owners and staff decided that the best way to achieve this was to get the public as involved as possible with the animals, without imposing on the animal’s well-being.

The zoo now has what is widely regarded as some of the best animal interactions available in the world and it has been able to make major cash donations along with direct and indirect contributions towards helping animals survive in the wild. The zoo has also been able to actively support hundreds of local, national and international charities and causes.

Over the years, Richard and Maureen have been joined at the zoo by two sons, four daughters, a son-in-law, a daughter-in-law, two grandsons and two granddaughters, many of whom still work there.

The zoo also takes great pride in the fact that most staff are locals who started here as volunteers and have been trained by experienced staff to become what we regard as the best and most dedicated team in the country.

CONSERVATION
The National Zoo & Aquarium is contributing heavily to a large number of breeding programs that can help save a number of animals from extinction. The staff themselves also raise money through our National Zoo & Aquarium Conservation Team (NZACT) to donate to a number of local and overseas conservation initiatives and charities.

Monies raised from animal encounters and Jamala Wildlife Lodge support The National Zoo & Aquarium’s regional breeding and educational programs, with cash donations given to animal conservation in the wild and to animal welfare programs.

SUSTAINABILITY 
We are committed to the principles of sustainability and intend to reduce our impact on the environment to achieve positive sustainable outcomes. As a zoo-based conservation organisation, there are unique challenges to integrating sustainable practices into our operations.

Our animals and visitors produce considerable levels of waste, whilst our inland aquarium requires vast quantities of water and electricity usage to run each day. As such, we must find ways to reduce our ecological footprint without compromising the needs of animals in our care.

ACCOMMODATION
Meet some of the most dangerous and endangered species on earth and learn how you can help their survival. There are three individually designed five-star accommodation precincts; uShaka Lodge, Giraffe Treehouses and Jungle Bungalows, each with their own unique wildlife experience.

The room rate includes your overnight accommodation, all food and dinner beverages and an exclusive tour. All suites feature bespoke African furniture, fit-out and artefacts, lavish king beds, climate control, complimentary wireless internet, music system with MP3 input, Foxtel television and premium amenities.

USHAKA LODGE
A beautiful safari lodge with 7 individual rooms and suites (available separately or in multiple numbers) with its own shark tank, a stunning lounge and dining area, pool, spa and tropical gardens.

This is the owners’ former residence and has varying room sizes and designs. These include rooms for 2 to 4 guests and large two bedroom suites that can accommodate up to 4 adults and 2 children, or 2 adults and 4 children. You can book an individual room or mutiple rooms, including all of uShaka Lodge!

Your adventure starts in the uShaka Lodge living area, with a magnificent shark tank extending from one end to the other and with two of the coolest Colobus monkeys watching you from the other side!

From the minute you walk in the door you will be transported to deepest Africa – every part of uShaka is decorated in a truly African lodge theme and features fine carvings, artworks and artefacts from throughout the African continent.

The indoor and outdoor entertaining areas are only metres from the edge of Lake Burley Griffin and have magnificent views across the lake to Black Mountain. uShaka is the Zulu word for shark, but also refers to Shaka Zulu, who was one of the most influential monarchs of the Zulu kingdom and a stay here combines the magnificence of Africa with the wonders of the ocean.

SHARK GRAND SUITE 
The Shark Grand Suite has its own private floor, up a flight of stairs in uShaka Lodge and although you won’t be able to see any sharks from your room, you will be guided to an adjoining terrace that sits directly above the shark tank for a private meet and feed with these beautiful creatures. You will also have the exclusive opportunity to feed our hyenas.

Ideal for large families or two couples, the suite has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, with the main bathroom featuring an indulgent spa bath. Both rooms feature sitting areas and king beds.

In the second room, the king bed can be split into two single beds if required and there are two single sofa beds for a fifth and sixth guest. Note that fifth and sixth guests stay free if they are under 18 years old.

GIRAFFE TREEHOUSES
Alpacas and deer in your front yard and a giraffe or two in your backyard! With just 6 suites located in a private enclosure, guests staying in the Giraffe Treehouses overlook the giraffes on one side and guests are free to wander amongst a friendly herd of animals located on the other side of their room.

You will have the opportunity to feed our resident giraffe, Skye, from either your balcony or in her enclosure (she decides where, but nearly always from your balcony). Your room also overlooks the Molonglo River and looks towards Scrivener Dam.

JUNGLE BUNGALOWS
Lions, tigers, a cheetah or bears are just a heartbeat away. The Jungle Bungalows consist of five luxurious individual suites, each adjoining an enclosure within the zoo. A glass wall is all that separates you from a pride of lions, a cheetah, tigers or a pair of Malayan sun bears!

Regardless of whether you are relaxing in your lounge area, resting in bed or taking a leisurely bath, when your resident animal is in the bungalow den area, you will only be a heartbeat away from these amazing creatures, with large viewing windows looking into their habitat. All these animals have access to their enclosures during your visit.

EXPERIENCES
Before you book, discover the ins-and-outs of how you’ll be spending your time at Jamala and we’ll answer any questions you may have about your stay. Consider an extra night or two, as many guests comment that they wished they had stayed longer – specials are available, so scroll down to ‘Itineraries’ for details of your options!

DINING
Start your evening with pre-dinner drinks on the terrace or in the Rainforest Cave where you will most likely be joined by some special guests, which may include white lions or hyenas!

To continue the African theme, you will join other guests at large tables* for a delectable and fun African gourmet dinner party with some great wines, all included! The four-course menu regularly changes to accommodate seasonal fresh food. Most dietary requirements can be catered for, just let us know at least 48 hours before arrival.

Children are welcome to dine with their parents and if they wish, they can also enjoy a guided tour of the aquarium while their parents have their main course. If you are bringing children, please advise us 48 hours in advance if you wish for them to have the children’s or the adult’s meal.

When the Rainforest Cave is at maximum occupancy, some guests will dine upstairs alongside the sharks after meeting the animals during drinks on the terrace. When Jamala is at peak occupancy, several guests may dine on the heated and enclosed terrace adjoining the Cave.

ENCOUNTERS
Add to the unforgettable experiences included in your visit by also booking one or more of these unbelievable special encounters! Get close to some of the world’s most amazing creatures and learn more about conservation and how you can help animals in the wild. Don’t forget to use the discount code in your Jamala confirmation. It’s advisable to book well in advance of your visit.

MEET THE CHEETAH 
We want you to walk away with a sense of wonder, along with the knowledge that so much can be done to assist cheetahs in the wild. Your zookeepers will take you on a journey combining adventure, knowledge and interaction with our cheetahs. Hearing the purr of a cheetah is a special experience!

A maximum of 2 guest at a time will enter the cheetah habitat with experienced zookeepers for 10 -15 minutes and interact with the unrestrained big cat while you learn about their individual personalities and the habits and issues facing wild cheetahs.

By the time you finish one of these encounters, the adventure you have experienced will be on a par with the knowledge you have gained. Apart from having learnt all the fascinating information about cheetahs and their special idiosyncrasies, you will also know how you and your future generations can assist in taking care of our planet and animal habitats.

If you loved cheetahs and big cats before you arrive at the zoo, you will be totally inspired by their history, evolvement and capabilities by the time you leave. You will also know what little things you and your family can do that will help conserve them in the wild.

Cheetah numbers have declined rapidly and it is estimated that about 7,000 cheetahs remain in the wild, down from an estimated 80,000. Their main threats are habitat loss and human/wildlife conflict. Their survival in game parks is difficult, as these are often over-populated with lions, leopards and hyena, all of which are threats to the cheetah population.

MEET THE GIRAFFE
To have you overshadowed and awed by our towering giraffe pair Shaba & Mzungu! Currently looking after their latest arrival, give mum & dad a break by providing lunch! The zoo contributes to the much-needed conservation efforts for giraffes and your visit helps us continue.

Step onto our raised feeding platform and stare into the eyes of these gentle giants – at least until the food comes out! Then hold on tight as Shaba pulls the leaves from the branch in your hands. Or perhaps Mzungu is more your style, daintily pulling each leaf from the branch with her dexterous tongue! Their babyThembe will be nearby!

Leave knowing you have stood eyeball-to-eyeball to the world’s tallest animal and provided them with a hearty lunch, while contributing to giraffe conservation. Share your experience with friends and family to continue raising awareness for a truly unique icon.

In 2016 giraffes slipped silently onto the ICUN vulnerable list and their numbers continue to decline. With habitat loss, civil unrest, illegal hunting and ecological changes to their environment, giraffe are losing the space and the habitat needed to support them.

MEET THE TIGER
To have you wonder at the size of the tigers paw when they are centimetre’s from you, before being astonished by the size of his teeth! These big cats will leave an impression on you for you to carry a passion for their conservation.

Meet with one of our Carnivore Keeping team to discover the unique abilities of such magnificent big cats. Learn about their diet as you feed an afternoon snack, as well as the care and enrichment we provide to ensure their wellbeing.

After being over-awed by being so close to an apex predator, you will leave understanding the threats facing wild tigers, while knowing there is hope for protecting their future. Take away an unforgettable encounter and a deeper appreciation for the wonders of the natural world.

Tiger numbers are currently as low as 3,900 individuals, with only 400 of the critically endangered Sumatran Tigers remaining. The tiger’s main threat is humans, yet with in-situ conservation efforts showing positive results, we can save this amazing cat and the communities who live alongside them.

MEET THE LION
To have you look into the eyes of a lion and be forever changed by their majesty and grace. To have you appreciate the magnificence of the animal kingdom and how everyone can easily contribute to protecting it!

Join our experienced carnivore keepers as they approach the habitat boundaries to feed one of our Lions, Jake , Mischka, Sabi, Majan, Mlinzi or Nairibi. Get close enough to see the spikes on their tongue as they devour their afternoon treat and learn about the amazing adaptations of Africa’s most famous predator.

You have experienced something very few people will do in their lifetime and have helped the zoo support lions in the wild, while learning about these remarkable social creatures.

This iconic species has now disappeared from 94% of their historic range and their population has halved in 25 years. White Lions are no longer found in the wild and all lions need our help – we are honoured to be part of these efforts.

MEET THE SUN BEAR
To meet our beautiful sun bears and to hear the remarkable story of Otay’s survival and of how Australian Mary Hutton saved over 1,000 bears, including our own Otay, who she brought to us. You will learn how just one person can do such for animal conservation..

You will personally feed the most aggressive of the bear family, but while letting you know who is boss, they will gently take the food from you. At the end of the encounter, you will be fascinated by this species and by how one person had such a massive impact on the survival of so many animals!

MEET THE TREE KANGAROO
To give you the privilege of feeding his favourite food to our beautiful Tree Kangaroo Simbu. At the same time you will learn all about this incredible species and how our breeding program is assisting their survival.

You will be moved by the closeness that you come to this tree climbing kangaroo, and by what a remarkable species it is. Very few people get this close to a tree kangaroo and your understanding of their plight in the wild will give you greater understanding of how we can all help so many species.

Sub-species of the only tree-climbing macropods are endangered and are native to northern Queensland and Papua New Guinea. The National Zoo and Aquarium and Jamala Wildlife Lodge make cash contributions to assist their survival in the wild and we are also part of the regional breeding program for this species.

Sun Bears are one of the most endangered species on earth, with only an estimated 2,500 left in the wild. As with tigers, we are trying to save them in the wild, along with their habitat, to prevent breeding programs such as ours becoming their only hope for survival.

MEET THE MEERKATS
To introduce you to a meerkat family, or a ‘gang’ or ‘mob’ of meerkats and impress you to such an extent that you want to know more about animal conservation. We believe that you will have so much fun joining our meerkats in their desert habitat, that you won’t want to leave – but you DO have to!

Meet and feed our meerkats in this memorable encounter. Join a keeper and enter inside their habitat where you will interact with these enchanting animals! Everyone loves the meerkats!

Total fascination and a burning desire to save the world! Meerkats provide an invaluable glimpse into the lives of social mammals and get people passionate about protecting wildlife!

MEET THE RHINO
To get you as close as possible to the second largest land animal – two or more tons of power and strength! We want you to be captivated by this species and to become an ambassador for ensuring their survival in the wild.

Either Eco or Ubuntu almost invariably choose to come over to meet our guests and the next time someone says ‘the hide of a rhinoceros’ you will probably be able to tell them that you have experienced the texture of a rhino’s skin!

You will be overwhelmed with the massive size and presence of a rhino and it will be impossible for you not to be a staunch advocate of their protection in the wild. Of the remaining rhino sub-species, three are critically endangered. All need our help.

MEET THE BARKING OWL
The Barking Owl is native to Australia and New Guinea. We want guests to get an appreciation of the many incredible birds that exist and how they can help them.

You will enter Ruby and Rocco’s aviary and be enthralled by their grace in flight and their amazing abilities as an apex predator. Feed them and have them fly to you and see if they land on your outstretched arm!

This is a remarkable experience and many participants walk away with a whole new appreciation of the world of birds! Barking Owls are listed as endangered (?) in NSW and Victoria and many bird species need our assistance.

COCKINGTON GREEN GARDENS
Venture into this delightful and fascinating display of meticulously handcrafted miniature buildings from around the world. Set within beautifully landscaped gardens, complete the experience with a ride on the miniature steam train, view the 34 room dolls house ‘Waverley’, or enjoy homemade scones in the Garden Cafe.

CANBERRA SECRETS PERSONALISED TOURS
Looking to discover more fabulous things to see and do in Canberra during your stay? Award-winning Canberra Secrets Personalised Tours showcase Canberra’s attractions and the city sights, but also take you off the beaten tourist path to expose the gems, the ‘secrets’ to provide the keys to unlocking Canberra’s heart and soul.

Canberra Secrets Personalised Tours is the boutique tour business of owner-operator and passionate Canberran, Marg Wade. Marg provides a unique, high-quality, tailored tour experience of Canberra and the region.

GO BOAT
GoBoat is all about freedom! There’s nothing quite like skippering your own boat, free from the worries of the world. Even better if it’s with your best friends or your family!

With the highest standards of safety, as well as a commitment to environmental sustainability, you can relax knowing you’re in good hands (and you’re treading lightly on the environment) as you cruise around Canberra’s famous Lake Burley Griffin in your electric picnic boat.

NATIONAL DINOSAUR MUSEUM
Discover the biggest permanent collection of interactive dinosaurs in Australia and get up close to the skeletons and fossils when you visit The National Dinosaur Museum in Canberra!

Focusing on education and entertainment, the museum offers a wide variety of activities to schools and the general public. From guided tours of the museum to birthday parties for the kids, there is sure to be something to suit your needs.

Website: www.jamalawildlifelodge.com.au

Rooms: 7

Price: from 847 EUR per night

Source: www.jamalawildlifelodge.com.au