Tag:$84m upgrade

Werribee Open Range Zoo – Then & Now

Werribee Open Range Zoo is an African-themed open-range zoo in Werribee, 32 kms southwest of Melbourne.  It is part of  Zoos Victoria, which also includes Melbourne Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary, and Kyabram Fauna Park. Werribee open range zoo is situated on approximately 225 hectares (560 acres), located on the Werribee River escarpment in Werribee Park, adjacent to the Werribee Mansion on land that was initially part of the Chirnside estate.

Werribee Open Range Zoo - Then & Now
Werribee
History

The land was originally part of the Chirnside family estate (Werribee mansion) before being sold to the Catholic church.  In 1975 the Victorian Government purchased the land and broke it into four parcels – Werribee Zoo, Werribee Park Golf Club, Werribee Mansion and the National Equestrian Centre.

Zebras Werribee Open Range Zoo - Then & Now
Plains Zebra with white Ibis

At first, Werribee zoo was used as extra pasture land for Melbourne zoo’s surplus animals.  Then in 1977, the Board of Zoos Victoria decided to create an open-range zoo based on the African Savannah species of animals.  Most of the animals came to Werribee from Melbourne Zoo. However, the zebras came from Rotterdam zoo, and the hippos were supplied by Whipsnade animal park in the UK.  Werribee zoo officially opened to the public in 1983.

Early Days

When Werribee Open Range Zoo opened, work was still ongoing. Visitors would board a bus at Werribee Park Mansion, pay their entry fee on board the bus, and were then driven to the zoo adjacent to Werribee mansion.  

Werribee Mansion Werribee Open Range Zoo - Then & Now
Werribee Mansion

In 1996 the bistro, gift shop, and walking trail were added. Next, in 1997, the  Volcanic Plains trail. Finally, 1999 saw the arrival of four rhinos from South Africa. Before long, the breeding program commenced, and a rhino calf was born in 2002.  In the subsequent years, the zoo continued to grow. Lions on the Edge habitat opened in 2004, producing three cubs in 2015 and two more litters since. Kubu River Hippos in 2006 and African Wildlife habitat in 2008. 

Werribee Open Range Zoo - Then & Now
Hippopotamus

In 2011, the gorilla exhibit opened with the arrival of an adult silverback and his two sons from Melbourne Zoo. The koala habitat opened in 2014, along with a bandicoot hideaway for the critically endangered eastern barred bandicoots. Squirrel gliders, dunnarts, tawny frogmouths, and striped legless lizards also live here.

Werribee Open Range Zoo - Then & Now
Werribee’s Silverback Gorilla ‘Motaba’

Sheru, a five-year-old male lion, arrived from Sydney zoo in March 2022, joining the two lionesses, Nilo and Asali. He is considered the ideal age to assume the role of pride male and lead his own pride.

Sheru, courtesy of Zoos Victoria
Sheru, courtesy of Zoos Victoria
Main Attractions

Safari Tour: the forty-minute bus tour travels through the 45-hectare open savannah section. It runs on the hour daily and is included in your admission cost.  The safari bus passes roaming bison, camels, elands, waterbuck, ostrich, scimitar oryx and Przewalski’s horse before going through Australia’s only drive-through hippo exhibit –  the  Kubu River Hippo enclosure.  The bus then heads past southern white rhinos, giraffes and zebras (with the elephants from Melbourne zoo joining them in 2024).

Virtual tour on the safari bus

Australian Journey – this trail will take you past kangaroos, emus, brolgas, tammar wallabies and orange-bellied parrots.

Pula Reserve Walking Trail takes you past the lions, vervet monkeys, cheetahs, African wild dogs, and western lowland gorillas.

Meerkat Bistro and Gift Shop

The bistro and gift are inside the front entrance, and the meerkat’s glass enclosure is beside the bistro. Visitors can watch them play while dining.  There is also a kids menu for the little ones and seasonal food, wines and beer for the adults.

Werribee Open Range Zoo - Then & Now

In April 2008, it was announced Warner Village Theme Parks proposed that a theme park, known as African Safari World, was to be built within the grounds of the zoo. However, on July 1, 2008, the proposed theme park plans were indefinitely postponed, with the Government citing the potential $100 million cost to the taxpayer. It was also a concern that it would negatively impact the animals as well as conservation and research programs.

The Future of the Zoo

In 2020 the Victorian Government announced an $84 million upgrade to  Werribee zoo. Much of the massive 225 hectares (560 acres) that make up Werribee zoo is unused. As part of the upgrade, 22 hectares of that unused space is being prepared for the elephant enclosure, a significant upgrade from the 2 hectares they currently have at Melbourne Zoo. (Coincidentally, the entire footprint of Melbourne zoo is 22 hectares! Construction commenced in 2021 and is due for completion in 2024.

Artist's impression of Sky safari
Artist’s impression of Sky safari
Artists' impression of Sky safari at Werribee Open Range Zoo
Artist’s impression of Sky safari

Also planned is an expanded rhino retreat, a prairie landscape for the bison, an expansion of the lion exhibit and a new hyena clan.  Additionally, a tree-top gondola, the sky safari, will carry visitors from one side of the zoo to the other.

Special Experiences

Slumber Safari – 2 days of access and one night in a luxury lodge at the zoo. Includes an animal encounter, a unique early fully hosted safari and meet the keeper. Plus dinner and breakfast. $380pp

Deluxe Safari Adventure – Travel across the savannah with a personal guide in a smaller safari vehicle. Unlike the big bus, this one gets closer and stops so you can capture photographs. I did the tour once and loved it. $56 (plus zoo entry)

Southern White Rhino, taken on a deluxe safari tour
courtesy of Visit Werribee
Where is it?

Werribee Zoo is located on K Road Werribee. They are open from 9 am to 5 pm each day.

Adult entry is $42; Seniors are $38 and Concession $31.50. Children under16 are free on weekends, public holidays and school holidays. At all other times, children are $21. Entry is free for zoo members.

What’s Nearby?

Nearby Werribee Open Range zoo, you will find Werribee Mansion and the State Rose Garden. Both are worth a visit, especially during spring when the roses are flowering. Also nearby is Shadowfax Winery. The Werribee Gorge State Park is just down the road – another gorgeous spot for a walk or picnic.

© Bevlea Ross