Tag:zoos
The transfer of Asian elephants from Melbourne Zoo to Werribee Open Range Zoo later this year marks a significant step in managing elephant populations in Australian zoos. The move represents a larger change in how captive elephants are cared for, emphasising animal welfare and conservation. This post explores the reasons for the relocation, the detailed process involved, the impacts on the elephants and the zoos, and the broader importance of elephant conservation in Australia.
Background: Asian Elephants in Captivity
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies Asian elephants as endangered. This is due to habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching. Due to their social structure, intelligence, and physical needs, these elephants require special care in captivity. Zoos worldwide have been evolving their practices to accommodate these animals better. The focus has shifted to larger enclosures, enrichment programs, and social groupings that reflect their natural behaviours.
Melbourne Zoo has been home to Asian elephants since 1883. In recent years, they have played a crucial role in public education and conservation awareness. The elephants have also participated in international breeding programs to bolster the population of this endangered species. However, as knowledge of elephant care has grown, so has the understanding that traditional zoo environments, even well-designed ones, only sometimes provide the space and complexity these animals need to thrive.
The Herd
Elephants are matriarchal, meaning the females live in a herd together while the males live alone or in small bachelor groups in the wild. The multigenerational, cohesive female herd replicates this natural behaviour at Melbourne Zoo and will continue at Werribee Zoo. The new expansion has separate barns for matriarchs and bulls, replicating how they live in the wild. Multiple pregnancies have been achieved since Melbourne Zoo established the Cooperative Conservation Breeding Program upon the arrival of three young elephant cows from Thailand in November 2006. Melbourne Zoo’s first-ever calf, Mali, was the first female elephant born in Australia.
Reasons for the Move
The primary reason for moving the elephants from Melbourne Zoo to Werribee Open Range Zoo is the need for a larger environment. Melbourne Zoo, located in the city’s heart, has limited space. Despite significant efforts to provide a stimulating environment, creating a habitat that fully supports the elephants’ physical and psychological well-being was challenging, given space limitations. Werribee Open Range Zoo, in contrast, is on a more extensive land holding.
Melbourne Zoo, being an inner-city space, has no room for expansion. On the other hand, Werribee Zoo, located on the outskirts of Melbourne, is massive. Werribee Zoo covers 225 hectares (560 acres) alongside the Werribee River. Notably, the zoo utilises only a tiny portion of the available land, so expanding enclosures is not an issue. The large, open-range environment at Werribee Zoo better reflects the elephants’ natural habitat. This transition aligns with modern zoo management practices. It prioritises the creation of spaces that allow animals to exhibit more natural behaviours, such as foraging, roaming, and engaging in social interactions within larger groups.
The Process of Relocation
Relocating the elephants is a complex and carefully managed process that has involved months, if not years, of planning. This planning, which includes input from veterinarians, animal behaviourists, transport specialists, and conservation experts, ensures the safety and well-being of the elephants during the move. The careful attention to detail at every stage of the process provides reassurance about the elephants’ care.
The initial phase of the relocation involves preparing the elephants for the move. This includes helping the elephants adjust to transportation, such as getting them accustomed to the specialised transport crates (donated by the Fox Foundation) used during the move. This acclimatisation process began earlier this year and is crucial for reducing stress and ensuring the elephants are comfortable with their surroundings.
The upcoming relocation, scheduled for later this year, will be carried out with great care. Specially designed crates will be used to accommodate the elephants’ size and weight safely. Throughout the journey, veterinarians and animal care staff will closely monitor the elephants to ensure their well-being. Upon arrival at Werribee Open Range Zoo, the elephants will gradually be introduced to their new environment. This patient approach reduces stress and allows the elephants to explore their new surroundings at their own pace. The new habitat has been designed to enable the elephants to establish their social dynamics in a more spacious environment.
Implications for the Elephants
The relocation to Werribee Open Range Zoo will significantly improve the welfare of the elephants. The larger, more natural environment will give the elephants more opportunities to engage in behaviours essential to their well-being, such as foraging, dust bathing, and interacting with other elephants. The increased space will also enable the elephants to walk greater distances, which is crucial for their physical health, especially joint and foot health.
The move also promotes the psychological well-being of the elephants. Elephants are highly intelligent and social animals. Notably, the new environment at Werribee will allow the elephants a broader range to roam and exhibit natural behaviours. This includes forming more complex social bonds and hierarchies, essential aspects of elephant society.
Trail of the elephants – Melbourne zoo
Melbourne Zoo’s relocation of the elephants represents a significant change in its animal management strategy. While the zoo will no longer house elephants, it will repurpose the old ‘Trail of the Elephants’ to a new enclosure. The potential for new exhibits focusing on other endangered species or immersive experiences highlighting the importance of wildlife conservation is an exciting prospect for the future of the zoo’s conservation initiatives.
“In 2003, when the $15 million Trail of the Elephants opened to great fanfare, the 2.5-hectare exhibit boasted three separate spaces, big wallowing pools, a larger barn and more capacity for “enrichment”, a term that describes ways to physically and mentally occupy and challenge captive elephants, like burying whole vegetables in the sand for the animals to dig out.”
However, by 2008, with the arrival of three bulls, they had realised that the space was too small.
New Enclosure at Werribee
For the Werribee Open Range Zoo, the arrival of the elephants represents a significant enhancement of its animal collection. Its commitment to providing world-class care for large, complex animals is a step forward. The move also positions Werribee as a leader in elephant care in Australia. It’s expected to attract visitors keen to see elephants in a more naturalistic setting. Additionally, this move will likely expand Werribee’s role in international elephant breeding and conservation programs. Thus contributing to global efforts to save Asian elephants from extinction.
In preparation for the elephants’ arrival, the Werribee Open Range Zoo is undergoing a 21-hectare expansion at a cost of $88 million. Funded by the Victorian Government, the upgrades will provide visitors with a world-class experience. By size comparison, in total size, Melbourne Zoo has 22 hectares, and Taronga Zoo has 28 hectares. The new open-range habitat will feature a central yard and sandpit. It will also have two 3.5m deep pools holding almost 2 million litres of recycled water. The deep water pools will help to improve their skincare, swimming ability and social skills.
Visitors will have access to the Elephant barn, which includes communal areas, training yards, and breeding facilities. The barns have also been designed to support ongoing elephant healthcare and well-being. A training facility at the back allows keepers to do regular elephant health checks, such as blood tests, weigh-ins, and oral health procedures. Five outer habitats will also retain and enhance existing vegetation and significant trees. Two dedicated overpass bridges will allow the elephants to cross visitor walking trails between the central yard and outer habitats.
Broader Significance for Elephant Conservation
The relocation of the elephants from Melbourne Zoo to Werribee Open Range Zoo is part of a broader trend in zoos worldwide to prioritise animal welfare and conservation. By providing environments that more closely mimic the animals’ natural habitats, zoos can play a vital role in conservation, education, and research. This move also aligns with the growing recognition that zoos must continually evolve to meet the needs of the animals in their care, particularly for species as complex as elephants.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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)
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.
Melbourne Zoo, considered among the best zoos in the world, was founded by the Acclimatisation Society of Victoria in October 1857 in Richmond. The zoo opened in its current location on October 6 1862, when it moved from Richmond to Royal Park on land donated by the City of Melbourne. The higher grounds of Royal Park were considered more suitable for the animal’s health than the damp ‘Richmond Paddocks’.
History
Modelled on London zoo, it is Australia’s oldest zoo and one of the world’s best. Like other zoos in Sydney, Perth and Adelaide, the early days of the zoo practised ‘acclimatisation’ of exotic species. The zoo housed animals in small enclosures at the Royal Botanical Gardens, where they recovered from the long sea voyage before being introduced to the Australian environment. Pople in those days thought animals such as blackbirds, pheasants, quail, salmon, camels, goats and sheep could prove valuable sources of food and income.
However, despite the move to Royal Park, by the late 1860s, the zoo was in financial trouble. The public had lost interest, and Albert Alexander Cochrane Le Souëf (1828-1902) was appointed the first Director of the Zoo. To save the zoo, he made several significant changes. Le Souëf expanded the zoo’s role by building a collection of animals for the amusement and education of Melbourne’s citizens. Additionally, he developed extensive gardens and picnic areas. By 1880, Melbourne Zoo’s animal collection included lions, tigers, a panther, deer and hoofed animals such as sheep and cows. All of which were considered exotic for the colony at the time.
Early Animals
In 1881, an elephant and an orangutan arrived, followed by rhinos, hippos, bison, zebra and giraffe. Wallace the lion, came in 1891 and was famous for his love of classical music. During the first half of the 1900s, visitors could ride on Queenie the Elephant, throw peanuts to the bears or watch Mollie, the orangutan smoke a cigarette in her enclosure.
Mollie the Orangutan was one of the zoo’s most beloved characters in the early 1900s due to her intelligence, quirky personality, and the human-like habits she was taught. She came to the zoo in 1901 at only a few months old and remained a crowd favourite until she died in 1923. From the late 1800s and early 1900s, the humanisation of animals was common in zoos worldwide, and Melbourne Zoo was not exempt from the practice. Mollie was known for her ability to light and smoke cigarettes and drink alcohol and her elaborate ritual for setting up her bed each night, using hessian sacks in her cage.
Unfortunately, Mollie also had a habit of setting her bedding on fire due to her talent for lighting matches. After she partially burned down her wooden enclosure, it was replaced with a concrete one. Following her death, Mollie was stuffed and displayed at the Melbourne Zoo.
Elephant Rides
Melbourne Zoo had three elephants, Queenie, Betty and Peggy. Queenie, loved for her gentle nature, was a significant zoo attraction for over 40 years at Melbourne zoo. She walked a circuit giving daily rides to up to 500 children for tuppence each. Children would place apples and peanuts on the circuit posts for her to eat as she passed by. However, on September 19, 1944, she sadly crushed and killed her keeper at the end of her working day.
Following the incident, the zoo retired Queenie from giving rides and Peggy and Betty took over giving rides. After public support, the zoo decided to keep her as an exhibit. However, in 1945, she was put down. The reason given for this was that it was wartime, fodder was scarce, and the zoo could not afford to keep her. By 1962 elephant rides at the zoo had ceased for safety reasons.
Ethical Zoos
Thankfully times have changed. Modern zoos of today bear no resemblance to their predecessors. Capturing animals in the wild for display is now illegal. The cramped, concrete and brick steel-barred cages are gone. Instead, their natural bio-climatic habitat is recreated. Subsequently, they have room to roam. Melbourne zoo is part of a world-leading organisation dedicated to fighting extinction. As a not-for-profit organisation, the funds raised from visitors are ploughed back into helping wildlife. Zoos Victoria – the parent organisation of Melbourne Zoo, Healesville Zoo, and Werribee Zoo is involved with more captive breeding programs than any other organisation in Australia.
“I justify zoos providing they are scientific, providing they are selective about what they keep and provided they keep them to the highest possible standards. That’s okay by me,”
Sir David Attenborough
While zoos are loved by many, they still have their detractors. Opponents of zoos argue that conservation doesn’t justify keeping animals in captivity.
‘PETA doesn’t believe that animals are ours to use for entertainment,’
Claire Fryer, PETA
Captive Breeding Success
In 2021 Melbourne zoo released 8 critically endangered Plains Wanderers back into the wild. They also successfully bred 50 Grassland Earless Dragons, 4 Mountain Pygmy possums, 21 Helmeted Honeyeaters, and 11 Eastern Barred Bandicoots.
Moving the Elephants
Melbourne Zoo has a herd of 6 Asian elephants – at the time of this post, three are pregnant after conceiving naturally. The three elephants will all deliver towards the end of 2022. While the Melbourne Zoos ‘Trail of the Elephants‘ is ‘award-winning’, I have always disliked it. It’s a dusty or muddy enclosure (depending on the season) that seems way too small for them. They are rotated through three different enclosures, but none are large. However, the good news is the entire herd will move to Werribee Open Range Zoo in 2024 after an $87 million expansion. The new space at Werribee Zoo will give the elephants 22 hectares to roam across the savannah with the zebra, Rhino and Giraffe.
Visiting the zoo
Melbourne zoo is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm.
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.