Zoo News Weekly
Welcome to Zoo News Weekly! Stay informed with the latest updates, including exclusive member pre-sales, animal naming competitions, special food offers, and so much more!
Jabulani meets his dad
A heartwarming moment recently unfolded at Werribee Open Range Zoo as seven-month-old Southern White Rhino calf Jabulani met his towering dad, Kifaru, for the first time. Despite the size difference—Kifaru is five times his size—Jabulani stood his ground, curiously locking horns with his father while calmly chewing on some food. Protected by his mum Kipenzi and a strong female herd, Jabulani remained unfazed during the encounter, which keepers carefully planned to mirror natural wild herd dynamics. Southern White Rhinos are classified as Near Threatened, and the Zoo’s breeding program plays a vital role in their conservation. Visitors can spot Jabulani, Kifaru and the rest of the rhino crash on a safari bus tour, included with entry.
Published 27 March 2025
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DID YOU KNOW THERE ARE BIRDS LIVING IN THE BUTTERFLY HOUSE AT MELBOURNE ZOO?
Recently, we welcomed a Rose-crowned Fruit Dove fledgling, and it's growing fast! This little one is becoming more independent each day but is still being lovingly fed by its parents, Lily and Pily. It's already flying confidently and exploring every corner of the Butterfly House. At the end of the day, you'll often find it snuggled up next to mum for a cozy night's sleep. Make sure you look out for them on your next visit.
Published 27 March 2025
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THE WAIT IS OVER...
Werribee Open Range Zoo’s Elephant Trail is officially opening tomorrow! As a special thank-you to our members for your ongoing support and enthusiasm we're offering members exclusive early entry during weekdays for the first two weeks!
Monday 24 March – Friday 28 March and Monday 31 March – Friday 4 April
Zoo gates will open for members at 8:30am and close at strictly 8:50am, so please arrive on time and allow extra time for parking as capacity is limited. Once all members are inside the zoo, you will be guided down the new elephant trail from approx. 8:50am. Please allow at least two-hours for this experience as you may not be able to view an elephant in the habitat until approx 10:15-10:30am.
During member early entry, you'll enjoy:
- Walk along the new trail and hear about the incredible efforts that went into creating the elephants’ new home from special keeper talks.
- A chance to experience the new habitat without the busy crowds.
- Grab a coffee and breakfast at the stunning Waterhole Café, overlooking the vast habitat.
- A chance to see the elephant’s starting their day in the barn and their holding paddock.
- An up-close view of the herd emerging out of the barn from their morning training anytime between 10:15-10.30am.
If you don’t make the early opening, the zoo opens to members and the public at 9:00am and the new Elephant Trail will re-open at 9:45am daily.
Published 23 March 2025
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MEET THE HERD
Published 27 February 2025
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ELEPHANT UPDATE FROM WERRIBEE OPEN RANGE ZOO
Published 20 February 2025
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Remembering KIMYA, MELBOURNE ZOO'S WESTERN LOWLAND GORILLA
Published 19 February 2025
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First Look: Werribee Open Range Zoo welcomes nine majestic Asian Elephants!
Published 11 February 2025
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LOVE IS IN THE AIR WITH OUR BLEEDING-HEART DOVES
Keen-eyed members may have spotted some new residents at Melbourne Zoo, our Bleeding-Heart Doves.
Bleeding-heart doves are a group of ground-dwelling pigeons native to the forests of the Philippines. Their name comes from the dramatic red or orange patch on their chest, which looks like a wound, giving the illusion that the bird is bleeding. Despite their appearance, these doves are completely unharmed—the "bloodstain" is actually just a patch of vividly coloured feathers.
Why Do They Have Red Feathers?
The exact reason for this unique feature is not fully understood, but there are a few strong theories:
1. Camouflage & Distraction
In dense forest environments, bright markings can serve as a form of disruptive camouflage, breaking up the bird’s outline. The red patch might also act as a distraction, drawing a predator’s attention away from more vulnerable areas.
2. Mate Attraction
Like many birds, bleeding-heart doves rely on visual signals to attract mates. Their striking red patch could indicate good health and genetic fitness, making them more appealing to potential partners.
3. Territorial Display
Some scientists believe the red patch may also play a role in communication between doves, signalling dominance or warning rivals to stay away.
Visit the Bleeding-Heart Doves next to Hutan the Tiger in the Forest of Wonder.
Published 11 February 2025
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THE BIG MOVE IS UNDERWAY!
We’re excited to share that Luk Chai, our energetic, inquisitive, and confident male elephant, was the first to make the big move today! The journey went smoothly, thanks to a massive team effort involving veterinarians, transport experts, and even Victoria Police. The rest of the herd will be joining him in the coming weeks.
Published 06 February 2025
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the 2025 members' photo competition is now open
Have you snapped any striking photos of our amazing animals? This competition showcases stunning member-captured images in our annual calendar, reaching over 100,000 households across Victoria and beyond.
Published 06 February 2025
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(ABC News: Matt Holmes)
The best way to test elephantS FOR EEHV
ABC showcases the remarkable efforts of Melbourne Zoo's elephant keepers and veterinarians in monitoring and treating EEHV.
Mek Kapah, offers up an ear to be swabbed for perhaps the most crucial part of a weekly health ritual at Melbourne Zoo. "They've got lovely blood vessels on the back of their ears. We use those to collect blood samples," said Bonnie McMeekin, the senior vet at Melbourne Zoo. It's the best way to test if an elephant is sick with EEHV....
Published 06 February 2025
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THE BLUEY LIVE INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE IS COMING TO MELBOURNE ZOO!
And the best part is… it’s FREE for members! From March 8-30, bring the whole family to meet Bluey and her little sister Bingo during their Live Interactive Show.
Showtimes: Daily at 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, and 1:30pm
Duration: 20 minutes of non-stop fun
Location: Rail Gate Lawns, Melbourne
For the ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE, upgrade to a Platinum Ticket for just $20 per member, includes guaranteed prime viewing for the daily live show of your choosing and special discount off merchandise within our retail stores.
Published 03 February 2025
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NAME REVEAL FOR OUR NEW JOEY
Thank you for helping us choose a name for Healesville Sanctuary's adorable new Goodfellow’s Tree Kangaroo joey!
Our keepers selected three names inspired by Papua New Guinea, the native home of this unique species. Members voted for their favourite, choosing between:
- Murua – a district (pronounced moo-roo-wa)
- Mungili – meaning precious or beautiful (moon-gi-lee)
- Mongo – seeds from trees (mon-go)
The votes are in, and the winning name is... Mungili!
Little Mungili is becoming more active every day, so don’t miss the chance to spot them on your next visit to Healesville Sanctuary.
Published 30 January 2025
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NEW FACE AT MELBOURNE ZOO
Have you met Khan? Our new 2-year-old Komodo dragon, is making history as the first Komodo dragon bred in Australia and the very first to call Melbourne Zoo home! Visit Keeper Kids on your next trip to the zoo, where you can now see both our biggest dragon and our smallest dragon, the Victorian grassland earless dragon, in the same space.
Published 30 January 2025
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PENGUIN CAM
During nesting season, penguins might be a little harder to spot—but now you can catch all the action on the big screen! Next time you visit Wild Sea at Melbourne Zoo, look up to see a live cam projection of the nesting boxes in action. 🐧
Published 17 January 2025
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Sanctuary after hours
Introducing Sanctuary After Hours, a unique tour where you will discover sights and sounds rarely seen by visitors. As our knowledgeable Guides share captivating stories of the Sanctuary, you will have the opportunity to visit some of our resident animals waking up or settling down in the evening light. If you keep your eyes peeled, you might even spot a wild animal or two along the way!
Don't forget, Members save 10% on all Zoo experiences!
Published 9 January 2025
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New to melbourne zoo
Step into the Forest of Wonder—an immersive nature trail celebrating the beauty of butterflies, incredible insects, and the vibrant ecosystems they call home.
Discover the interactive touch wall, giant bug displays, and delightful new additions in the Butterfly House. This new experience will spark curiosity, inspire learning, and bring out the explorer in kids (and kids at heart)!
Published 17 December 2024
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RIBBITING GOOD NEWS
As you know, Zoos Victoria is committed to fighting wildlife extinction. For many species, our long-term commitment is their only hope of survival. For several years, we’ve been breeding Northern Corroboree Frogs to help bolster the wild populations, which are critically endangered. Recently, a team of amphibian experts travelled to Namadgi National Park, so 150 Northern Corroboree Frogs could return to the wild.
This conservation work is made possible thanks multiple partners and supporters. Special thanks to ACT Parks and Conservation Service and researcher Ben from ANU Fenner School of Environment & Society.
Published 17 December 2024
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TURTLES ON THE MOVE
Over the coming months, keep an eye out for some special visitors around Melbourne Zoo! Our free-ranging population of Eastern Long-neck, Broad-shell, and Macquarie Turtles are on the move, as female turtles search for the perfect spot to lay their eggs. Rainy days and warm weather often bring an uptick in activity, so you might spot them exploring beyond the water.
If you see a turtle wandering, there's no need to worry. It’s best to let them go about their business unless they’re in a potentially dangerous area like a road. In those cases, you can alert one of our friendly staffs and they will move them to a safer spot.
Published 03 December 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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