Rear view of six Asian Elephants, three adults and three calves in a row.

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Changing Australia: Zoos Victoria CEO on fighting animal extinction and ethics

Catch Zoos Victoria CEO Dr Jenny Gray’s recent appearance on Radio National Breakfast.

Listen here

Published 24 April 2025

Trail Of The Elephants - A New Home For The Herd: Episode 3

Have you been following our mini-series Trail of the Elephants – A New Home for the Herd? We’re excited to share that the third and final episode is now live exclusively for members!

After years of careful planning, the big moment finally arrived. The herd of nine elephants made their historic move to Werribee Open Range Zoo. With Melbourne Zoo ready to say goodbye and the new habitat at Werribee prepared to welcome them, it was time. Go behind the scenes with our keepers as they share the incredible journey and witness touching moments of the elephants settling into their new home.

Published 14 April 2025

Trail Of The Elephants - A New Home For The Herd: Episode 2

The second episode of our exclusive elephant move mini-series is now live for members! This episode follows the dedicated elephant team as they take critical steps toward one of the most significant animal relocations in Zoos Victoria’s history. Watch as the dream of moving all nine elephants to their expansive new home at Werribee begins to take shape.

Published 10 April 2025

A NEW LION CUB AT WERRIBEE OPEN RANGE ZOO

Werribee Open Range Zoo has welcomed the birth of a small but mighty lion cub. No siblings, no rivalry - just a single little cub, already proving that greatness starts with the power of one.

The healthy cub was born in the evening of Sunday, March 23 following a three-and-a-half-month pregnancy to first-time, seven-year-old mother Asali and eight-year-old male Sheru.

Werribee Open Range Zoo African River Trail Keeper Kieralie Braasch said the birth is incredibly exciting and the precious little cub is already hitting some very impressive milestones. “The cub appears to be embracing its solo life without sibling competition, as it is thriving in both size and development,” Ms Braasch said. “Cubs are usually born with their eyes closed for three days and don’t take their first steps for 15 days; however, this cub amazingly had its eyes open at the three-hour mark and was on the move after just 15 hours.”

This is the first time in the Zoo’s 41-year history that it has welcomed a single-cub. Litters can range from one-to-six cubs, but two-to-four is most common. There are some positive welfare benefits to single litters – the cub has Asali’s undivided maternal attention, which includes grooming, protection, and exclusive access to milk and nutrition. Ms Braasch said both mum and cub are doing extremely well and developing their bond.

“As with any birth, it was a sleepless night as keepers and our zoo vets observed Asali go into labour on remote access 24-hour den cameras,” Ms Braasch said. “But Asali is showing all the positive maternal behaviours keepers would hope to see from a first-time mum – she is grooming the cub and they are really snuggling up to each other. “The cub is also drinking milk ferociously - it cannot stop!”

For six-to-eight weeks, mum and cub will spend some important quiet time bonding in a private den, away from public view. This mimics natural wild behaviour, where lionesses will leave their pride to find shelter in the bushes or a cave to protect and care for their cubs until they are strong enough to defend themselves.

The lion cub will have its first health check to determine its sex and will be named in the coming weeks.

Published 2 April 2025

MEET MUNGILI, OUR ADORABLE MEMBER-NAMED TREE-KANGAROO JOEY

Mungili is now out and about at Healesville Sanctuary, and cuter than ever!

Join Keeper Katherine, who has over a decade of experience caring for this endangered species, for a morning with Tree-Kangaroos Mani and Mungili.

Published 1 April 2025

Trail Of The Elephants - A New Home For The Herd: Episode 1

Trail Of The Elephants - A New Home For The Herd takes an in-depth look into the past and future of the Asian Elephant herd at Zoos Victoria - from the heralded arrival of bull, Luk Chai, the birth of the three calves, the passing of our beloved Man Jai, and the giant step of transporting the family to Werribee Open Range Zoo.

Published 27 March 2025

Keepers update - How are the Elephants settling in at Werribee Open Range Zoo?

The Asian Elephant herd has been settling into their new home at Werribee Open Range Zoo, and we’ve got a member exclusive update from their keepers! Watch this heartwarming video to hear how these gentle giants are thriving in their new habitat and bonding as a family.

Published 13 March 2025

Take a walk on the wild side - through a Snow Leopards habitat!

Ever wondered what's involved in taking care of Melbourne Zoo’s Snow Leopards? Join Keeper Clare for a special behind-the-scenes look below! Want to learn more? We’re excited to share with our members that the WILDLY popular Snow Leopard Experience is back! Get up close with these majestic cats and learn from expert keepers about their personalities, behaviors, and training. Tickets on sale 7 March—mark your calendar, spots are limited!

Published 27 February 2025

The Healing touch: Soft tissue therapy helps an elderly Camel

23-year-old Saffron, an elderly Arabian Camel at Werribee Open Range Zoo, is proving that age is no barrier to feeling good! She’s voluntarily engaging in remedial massages to help with her arthritis—stretching out her nearly two-meter-tall, 750kg frame while enjoying some tasty treats. Thanks to this soft tissue therapy, you can see Saffron on Safari feeling her best!

Published 27 February 2025

SANCTUARY AFTER HOURS AT HEALESVILLE SANCTUARY

Looking for a serene escape into nature? Join us for an intimate, after-hours tour at Healesville Sanctuary. With no crowds, you’ll enjoy a private 90-minute guided experience, immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of the bush as day turns to night. Catch a glimpse of what to expect!

Book your tickets

Published 20 February 2025

First Look: Werribee Open Range Zoo welcomes nine majestic Asian Elephants!

Tears and hugs were plentiful when the 21-strong Elephant Keeping team witnessed the herd of nine Asian Elephants explore their new 21-hectare home. It took three separate trips to move all nine Elephants, making the family reunion at their new home all the sweeter. Through meticulous and dedicated training, one of the world's largest land animals walked into specially designed air-conditioned crates and were craned onto the back of flatbed trucks, ready to head west to Werribee Open Range Zoo. First thing on the agenda for calves Roi-Yim, Kati and Aiyara - a glorious mud wallow!

Zoos Victoria acknowledges Paula Fox AO, Lindsay Fox AC and family for their generous donation of the crates essential to transporting the herd to Werribee Open Range Zoo. Their support has made this move possible while ensuring a positive experience for the elephants, allowing mother and calf to maintain trunk and visual contact throughout their journey. We also extend thanks to those who generously contributed to the 2023 End of Financial Year Campaign and the 2024 End of Year Campaign, helping the herd "pack" and "unpack" their trunks as they settle into their new home at Werribee Open Range Zoo.

Published 13 February 2025

First Look: New Elephant Habitat at Werribee Open Range Zoo!

Join Mark Pilgrim, Director of Werribee Open Range Zoo, for a behind-the-scenes look at this incredible new space! Their new habitat—featuring lush vegetation, mud wallows, and interconnected waterholes—provides the perfect space for the herd to thrive. Plus, visitors will enjoy unique viewing opportunities, bringing you closer to these gentle giants than ever before.

Published 6 February 2025

Luk Chai is on the move!

The day is finally here! The first of our nine Asian elephants has safely arrived at his new home at Werribee Open Range Zoo. This morning, the four tonne male Luk Chai voluntarily entered a custom-built crate before being craned onto a flat-bed truck. That's right - for a brief moment, he was airborne! Keepers monitored Luk Chai remotely via cameras as the truck and Victoria Police escort vehicles made their way to the newly built 21-hectare habitat. Luk Chai is currently curiously exploring his brand-new bull barn. Stay tuned for updates as the hard-working team plans to move the remaining eight Asian elephants.

Published 6 February 2025

It's a BABY Bonanza!

From tiny meerkat pups to energetic rhino calves, Zoos Victoria welcomed an adorable baby boom in 2024! These delightful new arrivals have brought plenty of joy and excitement to our zoos. Take a closer look at just a few of these little additions, who are sure to melt your heart.

Published 22 January 2025

MEMBERS EXCLUSIVE: SPIRITS OF THE SKY TRAINING SESSION

We're excited to offer an exclusive, members-only Spirits of the Sky training session at Healesville Sanctuary these school holidays!

Join us in the flight arena where our keepers will give you a behind-the-scenes look at a private training session. Gain unique insights into the care and relationships built up over the years between the native birds and dedicated keepers. Each session is unique, shaped by what the birds choose to do in the moment—making every visit truly one-of-a-kind. Please present your membership card to gain entry at the arena.

11am – 11.15am

9, 16, 23 & 30 JANUARY 2025

For now, enjoy this sneak peek training session with Fergie the Long-billed Corella, Keeper Jessica, and Animal Training Coordinator Katrina.

Published 27 December 2024

It's a Hippo Bonanza!

Let's catch up on some of our favourite Hippo stories from Zoos Victoria.

Published 13 January 2025

COLLINS STREET FALCON SOARS AFTER EPIC RESCUE AND REHAB JOURNEY

We're soaring into the new year with this good news story! 🦅 One of Melbourne's iconic Collins Street Falcons is recovering well after injuring a wing in its urban adventures. The beautiful Bird of Prey received medical treatment at Melbourne Zoo, then spent some time at Healesville Sanctuary's Raptor Rehabilitation Centre to rebuild flight fitness before returning to the city skies.

Published 22 December 2024

let's celebrate 2024

As the year comes to an end, it’s time to reflect on everything we’ve accomplished together at Zoos Victoria. Watch our 2024 wrap-up video celebrating the incredible efforts of our staff, vets, conservationists and all those who help to Fight Extinction and ensure a future rich in wildlife. We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our members, whose vital support makes these achievements possible.

Published 24 December 2024

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 04 December 2024

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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