Mogo Zoo Zoom Tour: Honest Review, Animal Encounters, and What Surprised Me Most
- nikkikearns
- May 16
- 4 min read
A few weeks ago, I found myself standing at the gates of Mogo Zoo, coffee in hand, completely unaware that I was about to have one of the most unexpectedly magical days. I’d booked the Mogo Zoo Zoom Tour, excited but not really knowing what to expect — except for one thing: I was determined to photograph the gorillas.
Little did I know, that plan was about to change.
Starting the Day at Mogo Zoo Zoom Tour: Expectations vs Reality
We began with introductions and a chat about what we hoped to get out of the day. Our instructor, Garry Sims, walked us through the plan and the animals we’d be encountering. This is when I learned something important:
No, we wouldn’t be photographing the gorillas.
Why? Because they’re extremely protective of their space and can become stressed or aggressive when photographed — even by keepers. Mogo Zoo prioritises the animals’ wellbeing above everything else, and honestly, I respect that. The Zoom Tour isn’t about forcing moments; it’s about learning, observing, and connecting with wildlife in a respectful way.
And as it turned out, the animals we did meet were unforgettable.
So… What Animals Did We See?
We had three encounters:
Jabari the White Rhino
The male giraffes
Mattai, the Sumatran Tiger
At first, I’ll admit I felt a tiny bit disappointed — only because I’d been so fixated on the gorillas. But once the tour started, that feeling disappeared instantly. Being up close with these animals was beyond anything I expected.
Encounter 1: Jabari the White Rhino
Jabari was like a giant, gentle puppy.
Walking down to his enclosure, I had no idea what to expect. Yes, he’s in a zoo — but he’s still a wild animal with his own moods and boundaries. We were incredibly lucky: Jabari walked right up to the fence to greet us.
Being that close to a rhino… it’s hard to describe. He was calm, curious, and completely unbothered by us. I even got to pat him — one of the most surreal experiences of my life. In that moment, I honestly didn’t care if I got a single photo. I just wanted to soak it all in, listen to the keeper, and ask every question that popped into my head.
(But yes, I did get photos — and he is the most handsome boy ever.)
Quick Rhino Facts
Rhinos have poor eyesight but incredible hearing and smell.
Their horns are made of keratin — the same material as our hair and nails.
They use shared toilet areas called middens (yes, they’re basically house‑trained).
Encounter 2: The Male Giraffes
Ever wondered why zoos separate male and female giraffes? I hadn’t — until that day.
Turns out, female giraffes will continue mating until it literally harms them, so they’re kept separate for their own safety.
Watching the boys eat was hilarious. They stripped every leaf off the branches… then started stripping the bark. Those tongues get a workout.
And yes, you do have to be careful — they’ll happily head‑butt you if you get too close. Except for Wendy, apparently. Every animal adored her for reasons none of us could explain.
Quick Giraffe Facts
Their tongues can be up to 50 cm long and are dark to prevent sunburn.
They have almost 360‑degree vision and can spot predators up to 1 km away.
They can kick forwards, backwards, and sideways (yes, sideways — terrifying).
Encounter 3: Mattai the Sumatran Tiger
Mattai was the diva of the day — and I say that lovingly.
When we reached the platform where the keeper usually calls him over for feeding, he was nowhere to be seen. She called and called. Nothing. She threw food onto the feeding plank. Still nothing.
Eventually, after searching the enclosure, she found him tucked away behind the bamboo, keeping warm. Honestly, fair enough.
Once he decided to join us, he was incredible. Mattai is highly trained and responds to commands, sitting and looking directly at the section of the fence where we placed our lenses. Watching the keepers work with him was amazing — the trust and respect between them was obvious.
Quick Sumatran Tiger Facts
Their stripes are like fingerprints — no two tigers are the same.
Their roar can be heard up to 3 km away.
They love swimming and have partially webbed paws.
Lunch, Editing, and the People
Between encounters, we sat down for lunch, chatted, and connected on social media. It was such a relaxed, friendly group — something I really appreciated.
At the end of the day, we returned to the room for optional editing with Garry. Only one person remembered their laptop. So here’s your reminder: read your emails and bring your laptop.
Final Thoughts: Is the Mogo Zoo Zoom Tour Worth It?
Absolutely. For anyone. At any skill level.
I didn’t go for camera settings or technical help — I went for the experience, the people, and the chance to be around others who love photography as much as I do. As a female photographer, the industry can feel intimidating and male‑dominated. But on the Zoom Tour, I felt none of that. It was welcoming, supportive, and genuinely one of the best tours I’ve ever done.
Will I go back? 100% yes.
Garry and Mogo Wildlife Park have created something truly special. If you’re considering it — do it. You won’t be disappointed.
I left Mogo Zoo with a full camera… and an even fuller heart.
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