Q. Is my adoption donation tax deductible?
A. Yes, supporting Zoos Victoria through animal adoptions is a donation to our organisation and therefore tax deductible.

Q. How is my donation used?
A. Your donation is used to support the work of Zoos Victoria, including animal care, community education, and local and global conservation.

Q. When will I receive my online welcome pack?
A. After you complete the online adoption form please allow two working days to receive your welcome pack via email. Please note this is not an automatic process. The Foundation office is open Monday - Friday, 9.00am-5.00pm and will process the animal adoption as soon as possible.

Q. How many people can adopt an animal?
A. There is no limit to the number of people who can adopt each animal.

Q. Does my donation go directly to the animal I am adopting?
A. Our Adopt an Animal program is a unique way to support Zoos Victoria's work. By adopting an animal you are supporting the work of our three zoos, including animal care, community education and conservation programs.

Q. Can I change the animal I adopt when I renew my adoption?
A. Your adoption is valid for 12 months. When you renew your adoption (after 12 months) you may change the animal you adopt.

Q. Can I pat and take home my adopted animal?
A. You cannot pat or take home your adopted animals. Zoos Victoria abides by international standards of care of animals and therefore only allows close encounters with animals deemed appropriate. That is, we endeavour to encourage behaviours of our animals most appropriate to their nature. Zoos Victoria provides unique animal experiences via the Animal Encounters program.

Q. Can I adopt more than one animal?
A. Yes. You can adopt one or all 26 of the animals available for adoption.

Q. Can adoptions be in issued in more than one name?
A. Yes, however only one adoption package can be issued per adoption, and e-mails can only be sent to one e-mail address.

Q. Can I cancel my adoption?
A. Your adoption is valid for 12 months, and can be stopped after this time. Animal adoptions are a philanthropic donation to support the work of Zoos Victoria. Your contribution is therefore tax deductible and so no refunds can be given.

Q. Why is Animal Adoptions moving to an internet based program?
A. Saving wildlife and their habitats is important to us. We are involved in numerous local and international conservation programs working to save species from extinction. As part of our commitment, we are aiming to reduce our impact on the environment by becoming carbon neutral by 2012.

Moving animal adoptions to an Internet based program supports this commitment, as well as facilitating more immediate communications with donors.

Q. Can I still receive hard copy photos, letters and receipts?
A. We are committed to saving animals and their habitats. To support this commitment, hard copy photos and letters cannot be issued. We can facilitate a hard copy receipt, if required.

Q. Why are there only limited animals available for adoption?
A. We aim to keep our donors updated regarding major news of their adopted animals. Previously more than 350 animals were part of our adoption program which meant it was not always possible to keep our supporters updated about their adopted animal. By focusing on our 26 most popular animals we can make sure our supporters get the latest news on their adopted animal.

Q. Why is the minimum cost of adoption increasing from $50 to $75?
A. The animal adoptions program has been in place for over 10 years. During this time, the costs associated with caring for our animals have increased, without an increase in the cost to adopt. Under the new program, 100% of your donation will support our work.

Q. What do I get with my adoption?
A. As an Animal Adopter, you will receive the following:

• Electronic photo of animal 
• Electronic Fact Sheet
• Regular issues of the Zoos Victoria Foundation e-news
• e-updates of any major news relating to your adopted animals

Q. Can I adopt an animal if I do not have a computer?
A. Yes, you can still support our work by adopting an animal, however we will be unable to provide you with an image or fact sheet of your animal. If you have a friend or family member with a computer, we will happily send this information to their e-mail address for you. We will still provide you with a tax deductible receipt if requested.

Q.  Can I renew my adoption online?
A. Yes, follow the online adoption process and select 'renew'.

Q. What information do I need to adopt an animal?
A. Please refer to the animals for adoption page, here.

Q. If I can't use the online adoption form, how do I adopt?
A. Download and complete this PDF form.

Adopt an animal online now!