Adelaide Zoo

As a conservation charity, every visit, adoption, donation and ticket helps save species from extinction

Bird flu and what it means for your visit: Learn about the precautionary measures we're taking and what to expect during your visit.

Through the Looking Glass

A Giant Panda Experience

Ever wondered what Bamboo Forest looks like from the other side of the glass? Before Adelaide Zoo opens for the day, step beyond the visitor path and into the Giant Panda habitat itself. Walk in the pawprints of Xing Qiu or Yi Lan alongside an Adelaide Zoo Giant Panda keeper, learning more about the pair, their care and the conservation of this incredible species.

Guided by the keeper, you’ll help prepare the habitat with food, treats and enrichment tailored to the individual panda and their preferences. Play an active role in this important part of their daily care, encouraging natural behaviours and providing opportunities for choice and exploration.

Then, return to the visitor side and settle in with a warm drink and tasty treat as Yi Lan or Xing Qiu enters the habitat and explores what you’ve prepared. Limited to just six guests, Through the Looking Glass offers a rare glimpse behind the scenes of Giant Panda care, connecting you with the expertise of Adelaide Zoo’s keepers and the conservation work helping secure a future for Giant Pandas.

Experience Highlights:

  • Step inside the Giant Panda habitat and see the Bamboo Forest from the other side of the glass
  • Enjoy exclusive access before the zoo opens for the day
  • Learn about Yi Lan and Xing Qiu from an Adelaide Zoo Giant Panda keeper
  • Place food, treats and enrichment throughout the habitat
  • Watch Yi Lan or Xing Qiu explore what you’ve prepared
  • Enjoy a warm drink and tasty treat as part of your experience
  • Mark your visit with a special sign-off before you leave

Giant Pandas spend up to 14 hours a day eating, consuming large amounts of bamboo to get the energy and nutrients they need.

Giant Pandas are solitary in the wild, but communicate through scent marks, calls, and occasional meetings.

How your ticket helps our conservation efforts

By booking Through the Looking Glass, you’re supporting Zoos SA’s work to save species from extinction. As a conservation charity, every experience helps fund animal care and conservation programs both here in Australia and around the world.

For Giant Pandas, Zoos SA works alongside partners including the China Wildlife Conservation Association and the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda, supporting conservation efforts in Sichuan Province including habitat protection and rehabilitation, education and community engagement. This work also benefits other species that rely on these important mountain habitats.

Want to get involved? You can help!

Adopt or donate