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Werribee Open Range Zoo has introduced a new program that will see storytellers bring Africa to life through tories, music, song and dance - as well as our favourite books.

Storytelling Sundays will see guests enthralled by world renowned Valanga Khoza as he tells wondrous stories of his South African homeland, accompanied by music and dance.

In addition, the Zoo’s African Village will offer the bittersweet taste of coffee from Ethiopia (and popcorn for children) as Ata performs a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony and tells her stories.

Clive Gono will also be at the African Village making traditional Zimbabwean (Shona) stone carvings, using limestone, to tell his stories.

As you meander through the Zoo’s trails guests will be able to try carving their own sculpture alongside Gono, who he has been making stone sculptures for more than 30 years and has exhibited his work worldwide.

The event also offers Shabba’s African drumming workshops. Drumming has been traditionally used in Africa for many things including communicating between tribes over long distances and for social dancing.

Guides will also be around the Zoo to surprise and delight guests with stories of animals and games and other activities for you to join in on and have fun.

Parents can also set up their own ‘storytelling pods’ complete with bean bags, blankets and marvelous Zoo books.

Images: Valanga Khoza's storytelling (top) and instruction in Shona sculpture at Werribee Open Range Zoo (below). 

30th October 2017 - MOONLIT SANCTUARY WINS PREMIER’S SUSTAINABILITY AWARD

10th August 2016 - ZOOS VICTORIA AWARDED SAN DIEGO ZOO CONSERVATION MEDAL 

5th July 2016 - MELBOURNE ZOO’S BABY ELEPHANT STANDS AFTER LEG CASTS REMOVED

16th December 2014 - WERRIBEE ZOO OPENS NEW HIPPO BEACH ATTRACTION

20th August 2014 - FEDERAL GOVERNMENT APPOINTS COMMISSIONER FOR THREATENED SPECIES 

2nd July 2014 - WERRIBEE OPEN RANGE ZOO OPENS BANDICOOT HIDEOUT 

20th September 2013 - GESAC DEVELOPMENT A FINALIST IN THE VICTORIAN PREMIER’S SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS 2013 

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Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.