It was on North Island that I had my most extraordinary wildlife experience in years.

The Morrison-Knudsen Nature Center offers water features and wildlife experiences just east of downtown.

It is one of the most amazing and accessible wildlife experiences I have ever had.

The staggering amount of bird species, plus the wide variety of insects and reptiles, makes this the ultimate wildlife experience.

These days, however, the richest harvest here is not corn but foreigners who thirst for the African wildlife experience and do not mind paying to get it.

Three great wildlife experiences for October, including red squirrels and the first winter migrants.

Three great wildlife experiences for September, including mushroom hunting and autumn flowers.

Three great wildlife experiences for August, including seal spotting and rare butterflies.

Three great wildlife experiences for July, including a visit to the National Trust's Farne Islands.

According to Zoos Victoria, the stated purpose of a zoo is to be centers for wildlife experience, education, conservation and research.