AusLeisure

In a move that will make it a “world-class animal facility”, Victoria’s Werribee Open Range Zoo is set to receive $84 million funding to develop a new elephant sanctuary.

Announced yesterday by Victorian Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio, the $84 million for the project will be part of the state’s 2020/21 budget.

The investment will include a new elephant sanctuary, with six Asian elephants to be moved to Werribee Zoo’s 22 hectares from the two hectares at Melbourne Zoo.

The development will also include a 1.6 kilometre treetop gondola boasting 360-degree views of the grounds, an expanded rhinoceros retreat, treetop canopy walk, prairie landscape for bison and a new hyena clan.

Explaining that the development will make the attraction the leading open range zoo in Australia Zoos Victoria Chief Executive Dr Jenny Gray stated “the opportunity with the elephants moving here is to do something remarkable.”

Commenting on the funding, Minister D’Ambrosio explained “(this) announcement will take this fantastic zoo to an ultimate new level.

“The gondola Sky Safari will have a fantastic 360-degree view of the CBD and the Werribee river. It’s going to be a world-class facility.”

The four-year Werribee Zoo redevelopment project is set to start construction next week.

Images: Zoos Victoria

Related Articles

23rd October 2020 - Zoos SA becomes first wildlife attraction in the world to offer Duke of Edinburgh International Award

30th September 2020 - Zoos Victoria and RSPCA Victoria collaborate to build new koala hospital

22nd September 2020 - Zoos celebrate World Rhino Day

16th July 2020 - Collaboration developed between Geelong Botanic Gardens and Werribee Open Range Zoo

12th May 2020 - Bushfire affected wildlife and plants to receive $150 million funding boost 

28th April 2020 - Australian Government announces funding for attractions’ animal welfare costs

21st April 2020 - Phillip Island trains terrier pup to protect wildlife

3rd February 2020 - Melbourne Zoo celebrates birth of rare snow leopard cubs

5th January 2020 - Bushfires push numerous Australian animal species towards extinction

8th December 2019 - Melbourne Zoo innovation leads to giraffe medical breakthrough

15th July 2019 - Melbourne Zoo innovations keep animals warm through winter

30th April 2019 - Zoos Victoria ban all single-use plastics 

19th January 2019 - New African experience comes to Werribee Open Range Zoo 

29th July 2016 - Melbourne Zoo highlights plight of orangutans with call for palm oil labelling

5th July 2016 - Melbourne Zoo’s baby elephant stands after leg casts removed

16th December 2014 - Werribee Zoo opens new Hippo Beach attraction

2nd July 2014 - Werribee Open Range Zoo opens Bandicoot Hideout

9th December 2013 - Melbourne Zoo celebrates birth of elephant days after death of Sanook

22nd October 2013 - Werribee Open Range Zoo unveils new arrivals precinct

2nd December 2011 - Gorillas go ape over new Werribee home

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.