For the second year, Auckland Zoo is encouraging night owls to come out of the woodwork. From January 17 through March 6 on select Fridays, the Western Springs animal sanctuary will open its doors later than usual for an evening of animal spotting.

From 4pm until 8pm, visitors will be welcome to wander the grounds in the evening light, and see what the zoo's 135 species get up to after dark. There will be 18 free keeper talks scheduled throughout the night — discover more about the Galàpagos tortoise, the white rhinoceros or Tasmanian devil.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to check out the Old Elephant House restaurant — once home to the zoo's beloved elephants — with a menu curated by chefs Sean Tovia and Carlos Atkinson.

Tickets are only $15.

Image: Auckland Zoo.