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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). 

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