Thousands of people helped to celebrate Werribee Open Range Zoo's 25th birthday (11th -12th October).

Visitors enjoyed two days of entertainment including roving African music performers, children's activities and competitions, special animal encounters, hair braiding, face painting, and horticultural tours.

Zoo Director Jenny Gray thanked everyone for donning their party hats and joining in the fun to mark this important milestone.

"We had a huge turnout and wonderful weather which made the weekend a great success," Ms Gray said.

Ms Gray said the Zoo had grown from humble beginnings as an agistment area for surplus animals from Melbourne Zoo in 1975, to an innovative and exciting Open Range Zoo today.
"We've come a long way since we began offering visitors guided tours from a bus shelter in the Werribee Park mansion grounds in 1983," Ms Gray said.

"Our animal collection has grown from 130 to almost 500, our staff numbers have climbed from 20 to 150, and our visitor numbers have exceeded 3 million.

"We now boast award-winning exhibits and unique visitor experiences and have built on our strong commitment to conservation, education, and research programs here and abroad.

"This birthday is a chance to thank all staff, our fantastic Friends of the Zoos volunteers, and the broader community for their efforts in creating this exceptional zoo. We hope everyone continues this amazing journey with us over the next 25 years and beyond."