Werribee Open Range Zoo facts for kids
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Werribee Zoo hippo exhibit
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| Date opened | 1983 |
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| Location | Werribee, Victoria, Australia |
| Land area | 225 hectares (560 acres) |
| Coordinates | 37°55′22″S 144°40′02″E / 37.9229°S 144.6673°E |
| Memberships | ZAA |
| Major exhibits | Hippopotamus, lion, zebra, giraffe, meerkat, ostrich, gorilla, African wild dogs, numerous antelope, rhinoceros, and Australian animals |
The Werribee Open Range Zoo is a special zoo with an African theme. It is located in Werribee, about 32 kilometres (20 mi) south-west of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. This zoo is part of Zoos Victoria, which also includes the Melbourne Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary. The zoo covers a large area of about 225 hectares (560 acres). It is found along the Werribee River inside Werribee Park, right next to the Werribee Mansion.
Exploring Werribee Open Range Zoo
Visitors to the zoo can enjoy a fun bus tour. This tour usually lasts about 35 to 40 minutes and runs many times a day. Each bus can carry up to 140 people. On the tour, you can see amazing animals like hippos, zebras, waterbucks, giraffes, ostriches, and rhinos. You might also spot camels and oryx!
The zoo also has a special area that looks like an African village. Here, you can learn and have fun. There's a pretend story about an African ranger tracking lions. You can also walk through a soundscape that makes you feel like you're surrounded by lion sounds!
There are two main walking paths you can follow. The Pula Reserve Walking Trail shows you African animals like lions, vervet monkeys, cheetahs, and meerkats. The Australian Journey Walk focuses on animals from Australia, such as the koala, emu, kangaroo, and even the cassowary.
The zoo has a Learning Centre where you can discover more about animals. You can learn about where they live and their history.
You can also book special tours for an extra adventure. These include the Off Road Safari or getting closer to animals like gorillas, servals, or giraffes.
Werribee Open Range Zoo also has a program where you can sponsor an animal. This helps the zoo care for its animals and is a great gift idea!
In 2008, there was a plan to build a theme park called African Safari World inside the zoo. However, these plans were put on hold.
Meet the Gorillas
In 2011, Werribee Zoo welcomed three male western lowland gorillas from Melbourne Zoo. This group includes an adult silverback gorilla and his two sons. Their new home is a huge 10,000 m2 (2.5 acres) area designed just for them. It has wide-open spaces, things for them to climb on, and comfy indoor areas. This new home helps Zoos Victoria give the best care to these bachelor gorillas. It also shows that the zoo is a world leader in looking after gorillas.
In 2010, something funny happened at the gorilla enclosure. A comedy duo filmed a TV show where they dressed in gorilla suits and played with remote-controlled cars and golf clubs. This caused some people to be confused about what they were seeing!
Images for kids
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A giraffe rests with a safari truck in the background
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Serval cat at the Werribee Open Range Zoo
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Zebra at the Werribee Open Range Zoo
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Kangaroo at Werribee Zoo
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Emus at Werribee Zoo
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Cheetah top of the log
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