Werribee Open Range Zoo
Australia·Open Range Zoo
Werribee Open Range Zoo is an African-themed zoological park located in Werribee, Victoria, Australia, situated on approximately 225 hectares of land. As part of Zoos Victoria, it offers visitors an immersive experience with simulated African village environments and a variety of trails focusing on both African and Australian wildlife. The zoo is notable for its expansive habitats, including a recent state-of-the-art facility for Asian elephants and a significant gorilla exhibit.
Key Facts
- ›Located in Werribee, Victoria, Australia, southwest of Melbourne.
- ›Covers approximately 225 hectares (560 acres).
- ›Home to 360 animals representing 40 species as of 2021.
- ›Features a simulated African village with educational and interactive elements.
- ›Includes distinct trails for African and Australian animals.
- ›Developed a state-of-the-art 52-acre habitat for Asian elephants, opening in 2025.
Elephant Trail, African River Trail, Waterhole Trail, Australian Trail, Gorilla Exhibit
Asian Elephants, Western Lowland Gorillas
Animal/Adoption Sponsorship Program
About Werribee Open Range Zoo
Werribee Open Range Zoo is a significant zoological park situated in Werribee, Victoria, Australia, located about 32 kilometers southwest of Melbourne. Occupying approximately 225 hectares (560 acres), it is part of the broader Zoos Victoria network, which also includes Melbourne Zoo, Kyabram Fauna Park, and Healesville Sanctuary. The zoo's design emphasizes an African theme, offering visitors a unique and immersive experience.
Visitor Experience
Visitors to Werribee Open Range Zoo can explore the park through various means. A central feature is a bus tour, typically lasting 35-40 minutes, which can accommodate up to 140 people per journey. The zoo's layout includes a simulated African village, designed with educational and entertaining elements, such as interactive soundscapes and narrative scenarios. Guests can follow two main independent trails: the Pula Reserve Walking Trail, focusing on African fauna, and the Australian Journey Walk, dedicated to native Australian animals. Additionally, a Learning Centre provides insights into the history and geography of animals in their natural environments. The zoo also offers specialized tours, including an Off Road Safari, and close-encounter experiences with animals like gorillas and giraffes.
Animal Habitats and Recent Developments
The zoo is organized into several large areas, including the Safari Tour, African River Trail, Elephant Trail, and Waterhole Trail, alongside the Australian Trail. A prominent development is the recent expansion of the Elephant Trail, which in 2024 saw the creation of a state-of-the-art, 52-acre habitat for Asian elephants. This $88 million project, funded by the Victorian Government, features purpose-built barns, extensive yards, pools, and overpasses, designed to ensure the elephants' comfort and well-being. This facility, which opened to the public in late March 2025, received Melbourne Zoo's nine Asian elephants.
Another significant exhibit is the gorilla habitat within the African River Trail. In 2011, three male western lowland gorillas were transferred from Melbourne Zoo to a new 2.5-acre sanctuary. This facility was designed with wide-open spaces and climbing structures to provide best-practice care and reinforce Zoos Victoria's reputation in gorilla management. The construction of this facility received substantial government and public support.
Conservation and Community Engagement
Werribee Open Range Zoo is involved in conservation efforts, a core mission of Zoos Victoria. The zoo also operates an animal adoption sponsorship program, which serves as a means for gifts and altruistic contributions, thereby supporting its conservation and operational goals. While a proposal for a theme park named African Safari World on the zoo grounds was announced in 2008, these plans were indefinitely postponed due to cost considerations.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Werribee Open Range Zoo?
Werribee Open Range Zoo is an African-themed zoological park located in Werribee, Victoria, Australia. It is part of the Zoos Victoria organization and is situated on a large area of land, offering visitors an immersive experience with various wildlife.
What kind of experience can visitors expect at Werribee Open Range Zoo?
Visitors can experience a simulated African village with educational and entertaining features. The zoo offers bus tours, walking trails like the Pula Reserve Walking Trail and Australian Journey Walk, and opportunities for 'speciality' tours and animal encounters.
What are some of the notable animal exhibits at Werribee Open Range Zoo?
The zoo features an Elephant Trail with a state-of-the-art habitat for Asian elephants, which opened in 2025. It also has a significant gorilla exhibit, a 2.5-acre sanctuary for western lowland gorillas, and various other animals along trails such as the Waterhole Trail and African River Trail.
How large is Werribee Open Range Zoo?
The zoo is situated on approximately 225 hectares, which is equivalent to about 560 acres. This expansive area allows for large, naturalistic habitats for its animals.
Is Werribee Open Range Zoo involved in conservation efforts?
As part of Zoos Victoria, the zoo is involved in wildlife conservation. It also offers an animal adoption sponsorship program, which can be used for gifts and altruistic purposes, supporting its operations and conservation initiatives.
Related Zoos
Adelaide Zoo
Adelaide Zoo, established in 1883, is Australia's second-oldest zoo and operates on a non-profit basis. Situated north of Adelaide's city center, it is managed by the Royal Zoological Society of South Australia and is a key institution for wildlife conservation and public education in the region.
Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary
Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary is a 9.7-hectare wildlife sanctuary located in Brighton, Tasmania, Australia, dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and preservation of native Australian animals. It plays a vital role in conservation projects, breeding programs, and advocacy for Tasmania's wildlife, working with various organizations to protect native animal populations. The sanctuary is a significant destination for visitors interested in learning about and supporting Australian wildlife.
Kyabram Fauna Park
Kyabram Fauna Park is a 55-hectare fauna park located in Kyabram, Victoria, Australia. Established as a non-profit venture in 1976, it serves as a sanctuary for over 400 species of animals, many of which visitors can interact with. The park is notable for its diverse Australian wildlife, a walk-through aviary, a reptile house, and its integration into Zoos Victoria in 2022.