We recently came across a Tiktok about a “African Safari” themed zoo in Queensland and instantly we chirped “In Victoria, we have the Werribee Open Range Zoo!”
As the name implies, the Werribee Open Range Zoo is a rather unique zoo located in Werribee, Victoria. It’s set on a large, open space where animals roam freely in environments that mimic their natural habitats, which gives visitors a more immersive experience.
We last visited a few years ago and till now, we still gush about the experience of sitting in an open style bus and viewing the animals from a distance. Well most of the time anyway. There was this baby rhinoceros that followed our vehicle, much to the delight of everyone!
The highlights:
African Safari Experience: One of the main attractions is the African-themed safari experience where you can take a bus tour through the zoo’s open plains to see animals like giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and antelope up close. Unlike more traditional zoos, the open range setup is designed to give animals more space to roam, offering a more natural environment for both the animals and visitors.
Animal Encounters: You can get close to a variety of animals with experiences like feeding giraffes or getting up close to the meerkats. These interactive sessions can be pretty memorable if you’re a fan of wildlife.
With the vast premises, there are different zones based on regions like:
African Plains: Home to iconic African species.
Australian Bush: Showcasing native Australian wildlife like koalas, kangaroos, and emus.
Wild Africa: Featuring animals like cheetahs, lions, and hippos.
Apart from creating natural habitats for the animals, the Zoo has done very well in:
Conservation: The Werribee Zoo is committed to conservation efforts, particularly for endangered species. They often run breeding programs and other initiatives to protect wildlife.
Educational Programs: If you’re looking for something educational, there are various talks and programs throughout the day that explain the animals’ behaviors, conservation efforts, and more.
So go on, support and visit the Werribee Open Range Zoo. Your contributions will go a long way in animal conservation!
