We will be fitting out the ambulance so that the vehicle can be used to safely transfer animals both within the Zoo and outside the Zoo.

“We are incredibly grateful to Wellington Free Ambulance for their generosity and donation of this retired ambulance,” said Daniel Warsaw, Wellington Zoo Acting General Manager Animal Care and Science. “This vehicle will enable our Animal Care and Wildlife Health teams to quickly and safely move animals between their habitats and The Nest Te Kōhanga, as well as off-site if required. This is a great example of two iconic Wellington organisations coming together to support one another and our work within the community.”

“We’re delighted to be helping another iconic Wellington organisation by donating one of our retired ambulances to Wellington Zoo,” said Mike Grant, Wellington Free Ambulance Chief Executive. “Our vehicles treat and transport thousands of patients over the years, so to see one continue to help after it’s time with us is something we’re really proud of. The team of vets at The Nest Te Kōhanga do such great work and knowing they now have a purpose built animal ambulance to help with urgent transfers ensures safe and timely care, something we’re very familiar with.”

The vehicle is seven years old and can no longer be used as a functioning ambulance for human medical emergencies. The ambulances used by Wellington Free Ambulance see such high usage and endure demanding terrain that they are retired after two to three years to ensure the vehicles are fit for purpose for emergency ambulance services. Retired Frontline Ambulances are usually moved to Patient Transfer Services or Event Medical Services before being released from service.

Wellington Free Ambulance and Wellington Zoo share a long history of supporting and engaging our local communities and the work we do. To celebrate our partnership with Wellington Free Ambulance, we will be hosting an event to thank them for their support, and invite Wellington Free Ambulance staff and their families to the Zoo for free.

We are thrilled to be working with Wellington Free Ambulance and we can’t wait for Wellingtonians to see the Zoo-branded animal ambulance in action within the Zoo and out in our community.

Zoo staff with Wellington Free Ambulance staff