From cheeky chimpanzees, curious meerkats and a mighty crocodile named the Colonel, the Rockhampton Zoo was once just a quirky central Queensland attraction. Now, a century since it opened, the zoo plays a key role in animal conservation and has a strong focus on education programs.
00:00Thousands paw through the gates for the chance to celebrate a special birthday.
00:07We got face paints, we made our own plants, we made beehives, badges and we got to decorate a bag.
00:18The Rockhampton Zoo is celebrating 100 years of operation in Central Queensland.
00:24Hip hip hooray!
00:28Now one of the city's most popular attractions, the zoo had a humble beginning.
00:33Initially it was just all that big chain wire, cages, there was no vegetation.
00:39Today its cheeky locals are enjoying five star accommodation.
00:42These chimpanzees are by far the most popular residents.
00:46They're really cute and funny as well.
00:49They're also crucial to the survival of the species and are part of an Australasian breeding program.
00:54We work cooperatively with zoos across Australia and New Zealand to be part of that program and we breed within our zoo and other zoos and then we swap animals depending on their genetics.
01:06The zoo made international headlines in 2006 when a 1.2 metre crocodile was stolen.
01:12Following tip-offs from the public, four people were charged over the theft.
01:15The unfortunate thing is we never found the crocodile.
01:18This zoo has transformed from a place of entertainment in the 1920s to a living classroom in 2025.
01:24As part of its birthday celebrations, a new education space was unveiled.
01:28We can hold more community programs that are focused around conservation, sustainability and where the public can actually make a difference.
