This summer, Auckland Zoo is encouraging night owls to come out of the woodwork. From January 16 through March 6 on select Saturdays, 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 144 species get up to after dark. There will be 13 free keeper talks scheduled throughout the night — discover more about the Galàpagos tortoise, spider monkey or red panda.

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.

Image: Auckland Zoo.