ZooVentures is a privately run animal collection in North Auckland that brings its animals to birthday parties, workshops and events. Its birthday parties take place at home or at a venue, so the animals come to you. Each session runs for one to one and a half hours, with 30 minutes either side for set-up and pack-down. Guests handle and feed lizards, guinea pigs, bunnies and tortoises, and meet chinchillas. Building zoo parks for the mouse team is a party favourite. The sessions are led by a zoologist and zookeeper. Groups are limited to 12 children, or 10 if some guests are under eight, and preschoolers are not taken. Parties for teenagers and adults are also offered, and pricing is by enquiry.
The collection normally has over 30 species at any one time, including geckos, skinks, tortoises, turtles, dragon lizards, frogs, fish, birds, rock pool creatures and minibeasts, along with dwarf rabbits, exotic breed guinea pigs, rats, mice and a Pomeranian pup known for its tricks. Parties need easy vehicle access for unloading the animals, and a community hall can be used where a driveway is steep or parking is scarce. The parties suit children who can sit quietly for a while. Because the animals are handled, guests must follow basic instructions and stay calm, and the company will not go ahead with an event where the rules are broken. That is why it caps group sizes and sets minimum ages.