Auckland: More than 300 members of the Nepali community took part in a free family visit to Auckland Zoo, organised by the New Zealand Nepal Society (NZNS) during the school holidays.
The event brought together children, parents, and families for an enjoyable and educational day, with Auckland Zoo turning into a vibrant gathering place for the Nepali community for nearly four hours on Sunday morning.
Children of all ages had the opportunity to observe a wide range of wildlife, including giraffes, lions, tigers, monkeys, and penguins, while learning more about nature and animal conservation in a fun and interactive environment.
The event was organised following the overwhelming success and positive feedback from a previous zoo visit hosted by NZNS. Society President Roshan Khadka said the programme aimed to bring the community together, strengthen family and community bonds, and provide children with a unique opportunity to learn while enjoying their school holidays.
He added that family-oriented community events play an important role in making school holidays more meaningful and enjoyable and said NZNS plans to continue organising similar activities in the future.
Parents who attended the event also praised the initiative, saying it provided a valuable opportunity for Nepali families to reconnect, socialise, and build stronger community relationships.
Participant Sneha Shrestha, who attended with her husband and two children, told Himalpari, “It was wonderful to meet so many Nepali families. The children not only had fun but also learned many new things. Programmes like this help strengthen the sense of community among us.”
Another participant, Bikash Pokharel, shared similar views. “This was a great way to combine learning and entertainment for children during the school holidays. While the children enjoyed exploring the zoo and seeing different animals, we had the chance to reconnect with friends and meet other families. Events like this are a very positive initiative and also provide an opportunity to catch up with people we haven’t seen for a long time,” he said.
Throughout the visit, children were seen enthusiastically exploring the zoo, observing different animals, taking photographs, and spending quality time with their families, making the outing a memorable experience for everyone involved.
