Werribee Open Range Zoo expands with new facilities for American bison and Asian wild horse

March 27, 2023

Environment / Zoos /

The Werribee Open Range Zoo’s $88 million expansion project has seen the completion of Stage 1 which includes two management yards, new paddocks and veterinary facilities for the two priority conservation species - the American bison and Asian wild horse.

With the Zoo having now migrated the bison and wild horse to their new facilities, works can now commence on the 21-hectare Asian elephant habitat at Werribee Open Range Zoo, which will house the new herd that is currently at Melbourne Zoo.

Zoos Victoria Chief Executive Dr Jenny Gray advises “Werribee Open Range Zoo’s expansion will allow even more people to experience the wonder of wildlife in a safari setting, while they learn how they can contribute to fighting wildlife extinction.”

Australian company Fairbrother has been appointed to deliver these works, as well as a pedestrian walking trail as part of the project.

Last year Fairbrother celebrated 50 years in construction and have worked to deliver major projects in Victoria including Werribee Police Complex and Bendigo GovHub.

The purpose-built 21-hectare elephant habitat is expected to be complete and ready for its new residents in 2024.

The project was designed by award-winning Victorian landscape architecture practice TCL and prioritises animal welfare while providing an immersive experience that connect more visitors with Zoos Victoria’s fighting extinction work.

Victorian Minister for Environment Ingrid Stitt notes “this expansion will deliver a world-class experience for visitors and ensure our wonderful new Asian elephants and their calves have access to the best standard of care possible.”

Once complete, Werribee Open Range Zoo’s redevelopment is expected to contribute more than $17.8 million annually to Victoria’s economy.

For further information regarding the Werribee Open Range Zoo Expansion, visit www.development.vic.gov.au/WerribeeZooExpansion

Images. Grabs from Zoos Victoria video

11th October 2022 - Elephant Trail being constructed at Werribee Open Range Zoo with repurposed materials

28th August 2022 - Koala Ward opens At Werribee Open Range Zoo

14th June 2022 - New thermal imagery shows ways animals stay warm at Werribee Open Range Zoo

11th February 2022 - Reptiles at Werribee Open Range Zoo treated to renovated enrichment space

7th October 2021 - Zoos Victoria invites comment on gondola attraction at Werribee Open Range Zoo

21st December 2020 - New design to fix leaking roof at Werribee’s Eagle Stadium

4th November 2020 - New $84 million elephant sanctuary to be developed at Victoria’s Werribee Zoo

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

24th April 2020 - Werribee Outdoor Pool achieves Life Saving Victoria Platinum Pool accreditation

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

25th May 2018 - African wildlife education brought to life at Werribee Open Range Zoo

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

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

28th April 2014 - Ranger Kids opens at Werribee Open Range Zoo

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

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

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