Blog
Catch up on our latest member blog posts !
SPIRITS OF THE SKY BEHIND-THE-SCENES
Rain, hail or shine the dedicated keepers at Healesville Sanctuary are always working on animal training to ensure the native fauna in our care live their best lives. Training can be beneficial for many reasons including healthcare.
Check out this behind-the-scenes look at a training session with Fergie the Long-billed Corella, Keeper Jessica and Animal Training Coordinator Katrina. Long-billed Corellas naturally have long bills, but Fergie’s bill needs extra maintenance which means it needs to be filed. Watch as she chooses to participate in a voluntary beak filing behaviour, achieving this in a the most positive, least intrusive way. Fergie is free to stop, start and leave the training session whenever she wants. This training has been developed in consultation with the veterinary team.
We hope to show this behaviour in the Spirits of the Sky presentation in the future. But for now, here’s a sneak peek.
Published 21 November 2024
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Werribee open range zoo on nova 100
Werribee Open Range Zoo’s Animal Behavior Specialist, Kelly Hobbs, was a featured guest on Nova 100's Ask an Expert segment this month! Kelly shared fascinating insights into animal behavior and training at the zoo, while tackling challenging questions like, "why are zoos important?"
Published 21 November 2024
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A PLATYPUS MIRACLE AT CHRISTMAS CREEK!
After 10 months of expert care at Healesville Sanctuary, a young platypus has been released back into the wild. Rescued by cyclists after being found alone and underweight on a hot February day, he now thrives in his new home at Christmas Creek, chosen for its rich habitat and flowing waterways.
Published 21 November 2024
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TAWNY FROGMOUTH NAME REVEAL
You could say we’ve owl been waiting for this moment! We've tallied your votes and are excited to reveal the names of the two new Tawny Frogmouth chicks are... Storm and Nimbus!
Visit the Tawny Frogmouth family now at Melbourne Zoo.
Published 19 November 2024
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world association of zoos and aquariums award
We are pleased to announce that Dr Jenny Gray, CEO of Zoos Victoria, has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Heini Hediger Award by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. This award, named after the visionary Swiss biologist Heini Hediger, honors outstanding dedication to animal welfare, conservation, sustainability, and education. It celebrates leaders who actively further these causes within their zoo or aquarium and beyond. Dr Jenny Gray’s pioneering work embodies this mission, making a lasting impact both locally and globally.
Learn more about Dr Jenny Gray and her work in animal ethics, welfare and conservation as she speaks with Richard Fidler for ABC Conversations.
Published 19 November 2024
HAPPY NEWS FOR HAPPY FEEt
Melbourne Zoo's adorable penguin chicks are thriving! One chick now steps onto the scale all on its own, while another has just learned to enter the feeding chute. Meanwhile, our cleverest chick is choosing to stay cozy with dad, Bump, to getting the occasional extra snack.
Exciting milestones for the little ones—look how far they have come!
Published 19 November 2024
DETECTION DOG PODCAST
Ever wondered how experts find and protect elusive Platypuses in the wild? Wildlife Detection Dog Officer Naomi Hodgens and Platypus Specialist Dr. Jessica Thomas from Healesville Sanctuary recently joined the K9 Conservationists podcast to share fascinating insights into their work tracking Platypuses in Coranderrk Creek.
Tune in to learn more about these incredible conservation efforts.
Published 12 November 2024
HELP US NAME MELBOURNE ZOO'S NEWEST CHICKS
Melbourne Zoo’s beloved Tawny Frogmouth pair, Cricket and Turnip, are now proud parents to two adorable chicks. It’s an extra special moment for Cricket, who is approaching 17 and hadn’t yet experienced the joys of raising chicks before now.
We need your help in naming these adorable chicks!
Voting is open until 5pm Wednesday 13 November 2024 and the winning names will be announced on our Member Zone Blog.
Published 8 November 2024
mEMBER EXCLUSIVE PRE-SALE FOR SUNSET SAFARI
Member pre-sale starts Friday 29 November - Monday 2 December 2024
Get ready for a summer adventure as Sunset Safari makes its return at Werribee Open Range Zoo. Switch up your Saturday night—enjoy sundown safari tours, sunset cocktails, live entertainment, and a traditional braai BBQ.
Members get exclusive early access to book January dates, so make sure to mark your calendars.
Published 8 November 2024
EXCLUSIVE MEMEBR SHOPPING DAY - SAVE 30%
Saturday 9 November 2024
For one day only, members receive 30% OFF* at the Zoo Shop. PLUS, receive exclusive member gift tags with every purchase—talk about a gift that keeps on giving! Remember to bring your membership card for zoo entry and show it in-store to redeem your discount.
* Discount on full priced items, discount on in-store items only, no further discounts apply, Discount only applicable on Saturday 9 November 2024, not valid for online shopping, stock varies between stores, membership card must be presented to receive discount, limit of one gift tag set per member.
Published 8 November 2024
ZOOVIE DOCO-NIGHT: tRAIL OF THE eLEPHANTS
Friday 22 November 2024
If you’ve been following Melbourne Zoo’s Asian Elephants on their remarkable journey to Werribee Open Range Zoo, you won’t want to miss this Zoovie Doco-night.
Visit the herd and see them off in style at this exclusive evening, featuring a screening of Trail of the Elephants: A New Home for the Herd and a Q&A with our expert keepers.
Published 8 November 2024
three new meerkat pups join the mob
Melbourne Zoo has welcomed three new adorable Meerkat pups to mum Toto and dad Malu. This is the third litter of pups to these doting parents and their older siblings help out a lot with pup care duties.
Watch the latest video of the Meerkats at Melbourne Zoo on the Zoos Victoria YouTube channel or visit Melbourne Zoo to see them yourself, they grow up fast so don't delay.
Published 04 November 2024
SPIRITS OF THE SKY - TIMETABLE CHANGE
We’re making improvements to the Spirits of the Sky at Healesville Sanctuary, ahead of the summer holidays, and during this time, we will be reducing the free-flight bird presentations to run once daily at noon on weekdays, from 28 October until 30 November.
If you haven't had the opportunity to see Spirits of the Sky at Healesville Sanctuary, come along and see it yourself, it's free for members and visitors.
Published 04 November 2024
THE ELEPHANTS ARE MIGRATING, WILL YOU HELP US UnPACK THEIR TRUNKS?
Wednesday 13 November 2024
Join us online or onsite as our experts share insights into the extensive planning and preparation behind this once-in-a-lifetime move. Learn about cutting-edge research and the welfare-focused design imperatives of the herd's new 21-hectare habitat.
For more information, or to register in-person or online, click the link below
Published 23 October 2024
TEENY TINY BUT MIGHTY
Zoos Victoria has teamed up with ARIA award winning children’s music group, Teeny Tiny Stevie's to produce a song in honour of the Victoria Grassland Earless Dragon, A Tiny Dragon.
Click the button below to watch the music video and next time you visit Melbourne Zoo, bring your dancing shoes and have a dance in the Dragon Disco (next to Reptile House). Don't forget to visit Keeper Kids to see the dragon and learn more about the work underway to save the species.
Published 23 October 2024
IT'S A VEGGIE SMASH
Visit Melbourne Zoo this Saturday 26 October and you'll be treated to an enrichment extravaganza.
Experience the joy of watching the animals smash, mash, crush and devour their way through vegetables.
Check out the full schedule. See you at the zoo!
Published 23 October 2024
500+ SIGHTINGS ON MOTH TRACKER
Thank you to all of the citizen scientists out there who have submitted Bogong Moth sightings via Moth Tracker! We're thrilled to announce that we've received 500 confirmed Bogong Moth sightings so far this spring!
Remember, you don't have to go out of your way to spot a Bogong - during their migration they can stop off in everyday places like in your garden, doorways, on your windows or mirrors - and can be seen during the day as well as at night. Tracking these little moths helps us better understand their movements and supports their conservation.
Published 23 October 2024
SAVE THE DATE - SATURDAY 09 NOVEMBER
It's the biggest shopping day of the year at your four zoos, so save the date and mark it down in your Member Calendar.
For one day only, members will receive 30% discount* at Zoo Shops. PLUS with every purchase, collect your FREE member exclusive Gift Tags.
Not only do you save 30% off your Christmas gift shopping, your purchase also helps save wildlife. It's the gift that keeps on giving.
* Discount on full priced items, discount on in-store items only, no further discounts apply, Discount only applicable on Saturday 09 November, not valid for online shopping, stock varies between stores, membership Card must be presented to receive discount, limit of one gift tag set per member
meet the new kid on the (savannah) block
Following weeks of anticipation, Werribee Open Range Zoo’s cherished Southern White Rhino calf, Jabulani, is delighting members and visitors with his first adventures out on the savannah, exploring the 30-hectare African-inspired habitat among herds of giraffe, zebra, ostrich and antelope.
Jabulani is confident and healthy, growing from 55-kilograms at birth to 200-kilograms in just a couple of months.
“Visitors can expect to see Jabulani staying close by mum and eight tons of rhino family 'bodyguards'. But as time goes by, he'll venture out and explore more on his own. He’ll also be doing plenty of ‘zoomies’ and take lots of naps as would be expected with any new bub,” said Dominic, Werribee Open Range Zoo Life Sciences Manager.
Run, don't walk, to Werribee Open Range Zoo, board the bus and come and say hi to Jabulani.
written in stars
What does a small, gentle brown moth you might see flying around your porch light have to do with the battle to protect and recover one of Australia’s cutest but most Critically Endangered native critters, the Mountain Pygmy-possum?
The answer is…
CURIOUS ABOUT CONVSERVATION?
Want to know what a gorilla has for lunch? Trying to solve a marsupial mystery?
ASK US ANYTHING! We will select one question for an expert to answer in the next edition of Zoo News magazine. Click the button below to submit your questions or email us at dearzoo@zoo.org.au
FEATHERS, FUR AND SCALES
Have you ever wondered why ducks never look wet, or why Spotted-tail Quolls have spots? Discover how certain aesthetic features help these and other animals survive and thrive.
Kyabram Fauna Park’s wetlands precinct is home all year round to an assortment of native wildlife. Several species of migratory birds stop by for a visit at certain times of the year while they...
Published 11 October 2024
WILD WEEKENDER IS BACK AND IT'S FREE FOR MEMBERS
Enjoy a fun-filled day for all at Kyabram Fauna Park on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 October with face painting, jumping castles, giveaways and a supersized animal talk schedule. And it's FREE for members.
Published 11 October 2024
IT'S TIME TO RACE!
Enjoy an afternoon of fun with friends, family or colleagues (yes, Christmas parties are coming...) as you compete in Melbourne Zoo's very own Race Around the Zoo.
Unlock clues, unravel riddles and snap creative photos as you compete in a race followed by drinks, canapes, Carousel rides (even for adults) and prizes for the winning team.
For a limited time only, Race Around The Zoo will be held on Fridays and Saturdays between 25 October and 14 December 2024 from 3pm.
For more information and to book, click below.
Published 11 October 2024
They're packing their trunks
If you’ve ever moved house, you’ll understand the enormity of the task at hand.
Multiply that by the size of a nine-strong elephant herd and factor in details such as organising cranes and transport trucks; calculating the time required to load, transport and unload the elephants; and coordinating all the...
Published 11 October 2024
Your Tote Collectible bag is now on sale
This year we need your help to support a recently rediscovered local legend and one of the most threatened species in the world, the Victorian Grassland Earless Dragon.
The sale of every Totes for Wildlife bag directly supports the conservation of the Victorian Grassland Earless Dragon, helping us discover more about wild dragons and how they use the environment.
Published 11 October 2024
SATURDAY 12 OCTOBER 2024 - MELBOURNE ZOO CLOSED
In partnership with the Association for Children with Disability, Melbourne Zoo will be hosting Dream Day on Saturday 12 October 2024.
This means that our wonderful zoo will be closed to both Zoo Members and the general public throughout the day. Melbourne Zoo will be transformed to provide children with disabilities and their families the unique opportunity to enjoy the zoo in an environment that they may otherwise find difficult to navigate during peak times.
While Melbourne Zoo will be closed on this day, your membership also includes free entry to Werribee Open Range Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary and Kyabram Fauna Park and they will be open as usual to members and the public. We can't thank you enough for supporting this important initiative.
Re-published 10 October 2024
introducing, zoovie doco-night: trail of the elephants
Zoovie Doco-night is your exclusive chance to see the Trail of the Elephants documentary at Melbourne Zoo before it’s launched to the public on Zoos Victoria’s YouTube channel. Plus, hear from our elephant experts for a Q&A before the documentary, roam Melbourne Zoo listening to after-hours keeper talks at animal habitats, ride the carousel and more!
Trail of the Elephants is a documentary series detailing the lives of Zoos Victoria’s herd of Asian elephants and all that goes into transporting the herd to Werribee Open Range Zoo.
Limited tickets are available across two nights only - Limited tickets are available across two nights only - Friday 18 and Saturday 19 October. Don't miss out, tickets will sell fast. And if you are feeling extra, upgrade your experience with the all-new Golden Elephant Lounge.
Published 19 September 2024
african rythms at werribee open range zoo
Saturday 21 September - Sunday 6 October | Daily 10.30am to 2.30pm
Join in the fun these Spring School Holidays. Located on the African Village Lawns, enjoy African music and dancing, drum workshops, African cultural activities and more.
The best part? it's free for Members!
Published 19 September 2024
smile squad is coming to melbourne zoo
Thursday 3 October | 9.30am to 4.30pm
For one day only, Dental Health Services Victoria is providing free dental health checks and expert advice on how to keep little smiles healthy.
Located in Carousel Park, the Smile Squad will be offering a range of fun oral health themed activities, as well as free dental health checks for your little ones.
Grab a free oral health pack to clean well at home.
Published 19 September 2024
stamp your way through the trail of the elephants
To commemorate the years of joy the herd has experienced and provided at Melbourne Zoo, you can stamp your way around the trail by stopping at each stamp station to create your own elephant keepsake.
You'll also have the chance to write your own personal farewell message to our beloved herd and pop that message in the red mailbox at the end of the trail.
Published 19 September 2024
WE HAVE A NAME - 'JABULANI'
(jah-boo-lah-nee) Zulu meaning for 'rejoice, be happy, bringing joy'.
Huge thanks to our valued Zoos Victoria Members and donors for voting. We now have a name for our new Southern White Rhino calf at Werribee Open Range Zoo.
Mum and calf are currently enjoying quiet private time to develop their bond, but we will be sure to let you know as soon as you can see this gorgeous addition to the crash on the savannah.
In the meantime, do you want more rhino calf cuteness? Check out our YouTube channel for the latest video featuring Jabulani.
Published 11 September 2024
become a citizen scientist in the great southern bioblitz
This 20-23 September 2024, join Zoos Victoria at Melbourne Zoo in the Great Southern BioBlitz and be part of a global effort to record all the living species across the Southern Hemisphere.
Whether you're a seasoned naturalist or just curious, your participation will contribute to showcasing the beauty of our natural world.
Head to our website to find out how you can join other Zoos Victoria Members to participate.
Published 11 September 2024
we need your help!
The adorable Mountain Pygmy-possum needs your help to win The Project's Marsupial of the Year.
There are fewer than 2,000 of these critically endangered fur-balls left in the wild due to habitat loss, predators and the dramatic decline of a key spring food source - endangered Bogong moths.
To help support these precious possums, click the below button to VOTE for the Mountain Pygmy-possum
Published 05 September 2024
IT'S TIME TO VOTE FOR OUR NEW RHINO CALF NAME
On Sunday 18 August we welcomed our new male rhino calf, and now it's time to vote for his name. Our Keepers have curated a list of names, all with special meaning, for our members to select the perfect name. As a thank you for helping out, members who vote will also go into the draw to win a Deluxe Safari Adventure at Werribee Open Range Zoo for themselves and three friends, valued at $240.
Voting is open until midnight Sunday 8 September 2024 and the winning name with the most votes will announced here on the Member Zone from Wednesday 11 September. Click HERE to vote now.
Published 03 September 2024
MELBOURNE ZOO - LEMUR ISLAND TEMPORARY CLOSURE
Melbourne Zoo's Lemur Island will be temporarily closed for planned improvement and maintenance works from Monday 9 September until Friday 13 September 2024. We thank our loyal members for their understanding and patience during this time.
Published 03 September 2024
Last call for elephant experiences at Melbourne Zoo!
It’s your last chance to book an elephant experience at Melbourne Zoo before the herd heads to Werribee Open Range Zoo at the end of the year. Elephant experiences will cease operation at Melbourne Zoo on Monday, 7 October 2024, with the last experience bookings being on Sunday, 6 October 2024. Don’t miss out on three amazing elephant experiences at Melbourne Zoo before the big migration to Werribee!
Elephant Bull Experience | Elephant, Keepers and Calves Experience | Wild Tales - Elephants
Published 29 August 2024
Behaviour Change Essentials – 18 September 2024
The next Behaviour Change Essentials workshop is now open for registration. Join us at Melbourne Zoo for a one-day workshop exploring behavioural science that creates engaging and impactful conservation campaigns.
Learn from the founders of Connect-Understand-Act (CUA) - the framework that underpins Zoos Victoria's award-winning Community Conservation Campaigns. Discover how its principles are applied onsite at our zoos, with unique access to our experts.
Published 29 August 2024
Roar n Snore September Schedule Change
During September School Holidays (23 Sept – 4 Oct), Melbourne Zoo’s Roar n Snore will only be operating Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Don’t forget that members also receive 20% off (instead of the usual 10%) Melbourne Zoo’s Roar n Snore and Swag Under the Stars when the book for September 2024.
Published 29 August 2024
It's a Boy!
We're thrilled to announce a new addition to the Savannah! Proud mum Kipenzi welcomed a precious male calf in the early hours of Sunday morning after a 16-month pregnancy, a huge win for Southern White Rhinos. Keepers and vets are marvelling at the remarkable bond the calf is forming with his mother.
While Kipenzi and her calf spend some important quiet time together, members and visitors can still see other Southern White Rhinos and an array of other animals while on Werribee Open Range Zoo's Safari Bus Tour, which is included in zoo entry
But the excitement doesn't stop there! Member and donors will also get the chance to name the little one in our upcoming naming competition. Keep your eyes peeled for more details on how to enter for your chance to win a Deluxe Safari Adventure for you and three friends, stay tuned!
To see more of our newest arrival in action make sure you check out the recent posts on our social media channels or click the video link below.
Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | X (Twitter)
Published 29 August 2024