The Melbourne Zoo is a 22-hectare animal paradise that houses more than 320 species in state-of-the-art facilities and naturalistic settings. Saving wildlife and educating the public on conservation are the main aim of the zoo.
The main highlights are the Orang-utan Sanctuary, where visitors are able to observe the animals natural interactions in their treetop home and the iconic penguin enclosure, which allows an underwater and up-close experience with baby penguins and the native Australian fur seal. As well as this, daily zookeeper talks and feeding times allow visitors to gain a more in-depth understanding of the animals they are viewing and the effort made to conserve their natural habitats in Australia.
For an encounter that extends into the night, “Roar and Snore” is an overnight slumber party that takes place within the grounds of the Melbourne Zoo, providing visitors with a unique chance to observe the fascinating wildlife after-hours.
Facts about the Melbourne Zoo
- Visitors can stroll through the lush Asian and African rainforests, Australian bushland and even underwater.
- There are keeper talks and feeding times which allow guests to get up close and personal to the animals.
- Children under 16 years of age receive free entry during weekends, as well as during Victorian Government School and public holidays.
- The Melbourne Zoo can be found within Royal Park in Parkville and is accessible via Royal Park Station on the Upfield railway line.
- Melbourne Zoo is Australia’s oldest zoo and was modeled on the London Zoo.
- The Zoo opened on the 6th of October 1862. Before this animals were housed in the Botanical Gardens.
- Melbourne Zoo commemorated 150 years of operation in 2012.
- Major exhibits include the elephants, lions, tigers, orangutans and gorillas.
- The Melbourne Zoo is a not-for-profit organisation, so every dollar generated from ticket sales and merchandise counts.
- The Melbourne Zoo is part of Zoo’s Victoria which own Healesville Sanctuary and Werribee Open Range Zoo.
