Despite the crisp cold, plenty were happy just to be out of the house.

It proved a boredom buster for the animals too, with many remarks made about how friendly and inquisitive the wildlife seemed to see people back in their environments again.

"They've been really friendly, coming right up close to people. They must have been lonely," said Aleesha Lewis, who had taken the opportunity to picnic with friends and family on Sunday morning.

During the eight weeks of lockdown, zoo staff have been working to update and improve enclosures ready for the re-opening.

For Troy Fisher and his children Jackson and Adelaide, a stroll through the aviary represented a long-awaited outing.

"It's just good to get out of the house for once," Mr Fisher said.

"Mum's away on a girls weekend and we were cooped up [on Saturday] and I'd heard the zoo was re-opening."

Bridget Power returned to Wagga this weekend from Canberra, bringing her Sydney-sider partner Michael Maglione to the zoo for the first time. They were joined by Ms Power's Wagga-residing mother Kellie Waters.

"I remember as a kid we'd come down here and have a look around, the guinea pig castle was always my favourite then," Ms Power said.