Zoo News Weekly
Zoo Members, welcome to Zoo News Weekly! This is a place exclusive for members to stay informed with the latest updates, including exclusive member pre-sales, animal naming competitions, special food offers, and so much more!
ANIMAL UPDATE │ 22 Dec 2025
THE FAST AND THE FURRIEST CHEETAH ARRIVE AT WERRIBEE OPEN RANGE ZOO
Three new cheetahs have arrived at Werribee Open Range Zoo, sisters Mara and Mapenzi, aged seven, and 11-year-old Sansa settling into the African River Trail this summer.
The trio arrived from Monarto Safari Park and Taronga Western Plains Zoo and are already exploring their new surroundings. Closely bonded sisters Mara and Mapenzi will share a habitat, while senior cheetah Sansa will enjoy her own comfortable ‘retirement’ space. Keepers say each cheetah has a distinct personality, giving visitors plenty to observe.
“Mara is quite vocal and confident and has her own mind, while Mapenzi is a little more reserved and shyer compared to her sister,” Keeper Lydia said. “They are both very sweet natured and are best friends. Their habitat is located next to the lions, so they are very curious and getting a good look at each other.”
“Meantime, Sansa has been quite active. She’s been watching the oryx and camels in the adjoining habitat. We’re not sure if she thinks they should be lunch or if she’s just a little bit unsure about them – perhaps a little bit of both!”
As the world’s fastest land animal, cheetahs can sprint up to 110 km/h but are also vulnerable in the wild, with fewer than 7,500 remaining.
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ANIMAL UPDATE │ 19 Dec 2025
FIVE FUZZY MEERKAT PUPS AT MELBOURNE ZOO
Melbourne Zoo has welcomed five new meerkat pups to the family, born to mum Toto and dad Malu. While Toto keeps a close eye on her fuzzy brood, older sister Mwezi has stepped up as the star helper, spending much of her time caring for the pups.
The tiny pups are growing quickly and have begun venturing out into their habitat. Initially, mum Toto has been picking them up individually and carrying them out on habitat - they’re still very small, so it’s not a difficult job. "When the meerkats were born they would have been about 30 grams. Now they’re probably triple that weight, the size of a small lemon,” says Keeper Jose.
Visitors may spot them tumbling over each other, following mum and big sister, stealing snacks from the adults and you may even hear them make a sound
reminiscent of a seagull squawk. "Meerkat pups make high-pitched vocalisations, some squeaks and chirping. They’re super cute to listen to,” says Keeper Jose. “The sounds make sure the adults are paying attention to them and protecting them."
Visitors can see Toto and her lively youngsters at Melbourne Zoo these school holidays.
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ZOO UPDATE│ 19 Dec 2025
400 GRADI AT MELBOURNE ZOO
This summer, we're welcoming 400 Gradi to Lakeside Cafe. We're creating a vibrant dining destination that brings their famous pizzas, handcrafted fresh pastas and tiramisu together with our "Coffee for Wildlife" barista coffee right to the heart of the zoo. It's a true collaboration—combining Gradi's well-known signature dishes with our unique Lakeside setting and, for the adults, we'll be serving refreshing Aperol spritzes to complete the perfect summer visit. Hurry ends January 31.
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ZOO UPDATE│ 19 Dec 2025
COOL DOWN WITH A BONUS CALIPPO!
Beat the heat with our sizzling summer deal! Buy any 3 Streets ice-creams and score a refreshing Calippo absolutely FREE.
Whether you're treating the family after exploring the zoo or cooling down between exhibits, this is the perfect way to make your visit even sweeter.
Promotion runs 22 December – 1 February. Available at select food outlets across all Zoos Victoria properties.
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ZOO UPDATE│ 19 Dec 2025
MELBOURNE ZOO'S ANNUAL BUGGY PARADE
This week, Melbourne Zoo was bursting with creativity as staff took part in our much-loved annual Buggy Parade. Teams from across the zoo transformed their everyday work buggies into imaginative works of art, showcasing plenty of colour, teamwork and zoo pride.
A special part of the tradition is inviting one of our members to help judge the parade each year. We were delighted to have members Josephine and Gordon join us for the judging, and they did a fantastic job! Their winning pick was the beautiful butterfly-themed buggy, much to the delight of the Invertebrates team.
Thank you to Josephine and Gordon for being part of the fun, it’s moments like these that make our zoo community so special!
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ZOO UPDATE│ 18 Dec 2025
ELEPHANT MUD WOLLOWS
This week, new wallows have been created in each elephant habitat, and they’re already proving popular! The elephants have wasted no time exploring and splashing about, much to the delight of visitors watching on. We’ll keep adding clay and water to get the consistency just right, ready for plenty of muddy fun over summer!
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ZOO UPDATE│ 12 Dec 2025
DOUBLE PUGGLES
Two echidna puggles have recently arrived at Healesville Sanctuary’s wildlife hospital, after their burrows were accidentally disturbed during renovation works.
At this time of year, female echidnas often create temporary burrows in unpredictable places. They can leave their young for several days while they forage, meaning puggles are frequently left alone but still safely cared for. When a puggle is brought in, it usually indicates its burrow has been disrupted.
Both puggles will be released back near their original locations once they are strong enough.
If you come across an echidna puggle during gardening or construction work, contact Healesville Sanctuary’s Australian Wildlife Health Centre or your local wildlife carer. The AWHC treats around 2,000 wildlife patients each year and is open 365 days, with visitors able to observe the veterinary team at work through internal viewing windows.
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ANIMAL UPDATE│ 11 Dec 2025
REMEMBERING VALE BAGAM
Healesville Sanctuary is saddened to share that male Goodfellow’s Tree Kangaroo Bagam has passed away. His dedicated keepers had been monitoring him closely after noticing a subtle behaviour changes. An MRI later revealed a mass on the brain, so the kindest and most humane decision to euthanise was made. Bagam was 11-year-old. During his time at Healesville Sanctuary Bagam made significant contribution to the international breeding program for this Endangered species. He fathered four offspring with female Mani. Bagam will be greatly missed by the Mammal team.
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ANIMAL UPDATE │ 21 Nov 2025
SPOT THE "FOREST FAIRIES" AT HEALESVILLE SANCTUARY
The elusive Leadbeater’s Possum, Victoria’s own faunal emblem, is back on display for the first time in five years at the Animals of the Night house at Healesville Sanctuary!
This mother–daughter trio has moved into a newly renovated habitat shared with Long-nosed Potoroos. With possums darting overhead in clear tunnels and potoroos foraging below, it’s the perfect peek into a forest ecosystem after dark.
These tiny nocturnal possums are hard to spot in the wild, so this is a rare chance to see them up close and learn why saving this critically endangered species matters. Our team is helping protect both Highland and Lowland populations, with new joeys and successful conservation pairings already underway.
Come meet Victoria’s real-life “forest fairies” and be part of their future.
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ZOO UPDATE│ 28 Nov 2025
IT'S TURTLE SEASON AT MELBOURNE ZOO
Over the coming months, you might spot our free-ranging Eastern Long-neck, Broad-shell and Macquarie Turtles wandering around the grounds. At this time of year, females are on the move looking for the perfect place to lay their eggs, especially after warm weather or rain.
If you see a turtle out of the water, don’t worry, this is completely normal. In fact, returning them to a pond can interrupt their natural nesting behaviour, so the best thing to do is simply give them space and let them continue their journey.
If a turtle has wandered somewhere unsafe (like on a road) please let a staff member know.
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MEMBER EXCLUSIVE UPDATE │ 20 Nov 2025
TAMBI IS GROWING FAST!
At just 3.5 months old he’s already hit 200kg, gaining just over a kilo a day, and now stands around 2.5 meters tall.
Since he started taking carrot treats from keepers in early October, his training has really taken off. He’s already mastered targeting and tactile training, had voluntary dental X-rays with our specialist, and received his first vaccination through hand injection. Now, whenever he spots keepers, he’s on the lookout for carrot!
Tambi’s personality is blossoming too. He’s curious, playful, and loves exploring enrichment and browse, plus he’s settling in beautifully with the herd. Lately he’s been spending most nights on display (weather permitting), often curled up with Dad at the front of the habitat, or resting under the shelter with Mum and Aunty Iris.
Be sure to say hello next time you visit Melbourne Zoo!
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MEMBER UPDATE │ 13 Nov 2025
SANTA'S LETTERBOX HAS COME TO MELBOURNE ZOO
It’s time to get those wish lists ready! Post your letters to Santa in the big Zoo Member mailbox outside the Member Information Booth at Melbourne Zoo.
P.S. Parents, don’t forget to pick up a Santa’s receipt which you will find just next to the letter box, or download one online below.
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ANIMAL UPDATE │ 11 Nov 2025
REMEMBERING KULINDA
It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to Werribee Open Range Zoo’s beloved 13-year-old geriatric cheetah, Kulinda.
After years of world-class care to keep her comfortable and happy in her golden years, our vets and keepers made the incredibly sad but humane decision to euthanise her yesterday.
Kulinda was experiencing various age-related health issues that vets and keepers were actively treating. However, her condition declined in recent days, led by her age-related loss of vision, arthritis and occasional weakness in her hind limbs, which greatly impacted her quality of life.
When you flip your member calendar to December, you’ll discover a beautiful member photo of Kulinda. It’s a heartfelt way to remember a cheetah who was adored by her dedicated keepers, vets and all who knew her, Kulinda was intelligent, calm, and playful in her own cheetah way.
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ANIMAL UPDATE │ 5 Nov 2025
NAME REVEAL: KANGAROO ISLAND KANGAROO JOEYS
Recently, we asked our members to help name Healesville Sanctuary’s newest Kangaroo Island Kangaroo joeys. The contenders were Gremlin, Grigio, Mos, Spud, Vini, and Yarra, and the votes are in!
Say hello to Gremlin and Spud.
Gremlin is named after the critically endangered Shy Gremlin-Orchid found only on Kangaroo Island, while Spud takes inspiration from the Potato Orchid that grows around the Sanctuary.
Visit Healesville Sanctuary soon to meet these adorable new arrivals!
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ZOO UPDATE │ 11 Nov 2025
THE WURUNJERI WALK AT HEALESVILLE SANCTUARY IS OPEN
Developed in consultation with Murrundindi, Wurundjeri Elders, and the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, this meaningful addition celebrates language, culture, and connection to Country.
Along the walk, you’ll now find a beautiful series of rock markers featuring Woi-wurrung words and their English translation, each one sharing a piece of Wurundjeri knowledge and values that bring new depth and significance to this special area of the Sanctuary.
We invite you to take your time along the Wurundjeri Walk on your next visit and reflect on these powerful words that connect us all.
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ANIMAL UPDATE │ 22 Oct 2025
NAME REVEAL: TAWNY FROGMOUTH CHICKS
Your votes are in, and we’re excited to announce the names of Healesville Sanctuary’s new Tawny Frogmouth chicks: Pobblebonk (left) and Watson (right)!
Did you know Tawny Frogmouths were just crowned Bird of the Year? You can spot these feathery favourites at all four zoos on your next visit!
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NEW EXPERIENCE │ 28 Oct 2025
SANCTURARY AFTER HOURS IS BACK
As the Sanctuary's gates close to the public, an unforgettable experience begins. In a small, intimate group, you’ll be welcomed by our expert guides and set off on a 90-minute twilight journey through Healesville Sanctuary.
With the Sanctuary all to yourselves, you’ll discover what happens when day turns to night. Watch as some animals wind down, others stir awake, and perhaps even spot elusive native wildlife that only emerges after dark. Members who’ve joined the tour describe it best: “It is truly a unique experience.”
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ZOO UPDATE │ 28 Oct 2025
KYABRAM'S BRAND-NEW SPLASH PARK IS READY FOR PLAY
Get ready to splash into fun! The brand-new Splash Park at Kyabram Fauna Park is officially open!
This 580-square-metre waterplay space is designed for families of all ages, complete with water jets, fountains, trampolines, sandpits, and picnic-ready lawns.
Join us for the grand opening celebrations! Enjoy keeper talks, face painting, jumping castles, and a day filled with family fun in the Splash Zone.
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ANIMAL UPDATE │ 28 Oct 2025
KEEPING TRACK WITH COLOURFUL NAILS
During recent training sessions, the Tammar wallabies at Werribee Open Range Zoo had their nails painted! The splash of colour helps keepers quickly identify and monitor each wallaby. Keep an eye out for their bright new nails next time you visit.
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NEW EVENT │ 22 Oct 2025
A MAJOR MILESTONE FOR THE HORTICULTURE TEAM
Our horticulture team has achieved something truly special, successfully growing Aframomum melegueta (Grains of Paradise) right here in Melbourne!
This tropical African plant is a natural part of wild gorillas’ diets and may offer health benefits. After years of trials and care, we’ve gone from one thriving plant to 25 and this week, our gorillas got to enjoy it for the very first time.
It’s a huge step in bringing more of the wild into their world and a testament to the dedication of our horticulture team.
Published 22 October 2025
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ZOO UPDATE │ 17 Oct 2025
WORLD VET NURSE DAY
The team at Healesville Sanctuary’s Australian Wildlife Health Centre recently celebrated World Vet Nurse Day. 11 vet nurses work at the Sanctuary. They help care for around 2,000 native animals each year as well as the resident animals. You can see this dedicated team in action 365 days a year thanks to the internal glass walls of the wildlife hospital. Visitors can also go behind-the-scenes in our new wildlife hospital tour.
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ANIMAL UPDATE │ 14 Oct 2025
WEE MAIL DELIVERY
This week, Keepers Monique and Marcus hit the road to Ballarat with a very special delivery and pick-up of “wee mail”!
As part of a shared enrichment program, Zoos Victoria and Ballarat Wildlife Park regularly swap scent panels, logs and even urine samples between our tigers. These scented items help mimic what tigers would naturally encounter in the wild when a new individual passes through their territory.
Melbourne Zoo's log delivery was covered in "messages" from our tigers. Ballarat’s tiger wasted no time adding some of his own, continuing this wild conversation across zoos.
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CONSERVATION UPDATE │ 14 Oct 2025
BOGONG MOTHS MAY BE SMALLER THAN YOU THINK
Endangered Bogong Moths could be in your area right now, and we need your help to spot them! Many people believe them to be larger than they are; in fact Bogong Moths are about the size of a 20c coin, or about the size of a bread tag as shown in this photo submitted on Moth Tracker by Hannah in Tasmania. They can be brown or grey in colour, with two spots on their wings connected by a dark stripe. If you spot a Bogong Moth, upload a photo on the Moth Tracker webpage.
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ANIMAL UPDATE │ 8 Oct 2025
OUR THREE PENGUIN CHICKS AT MELBOURNE ZOO ARE GROWING UP FAST!
Two of our chicks have already ventured out of their burrows and can often be spotted splashing about in the pool alongside the adults. Next time you pass by, keep an eye out for their wing bands, brown-brown and green-black.
One of the chicks recently weighed in at an impressive 1.36 kg, even bigger than either of her parents! All three have also been confirmed as females. They’re about to shed their fluffy down and grow a sleek new coat of glossy black and blue feathers.
The third chick hatched a couple of weeks later, so she’s still finishing her moult and hasn’t emerged from the burrow just yet. You can catch a glimpse of her on our live-stream cameras in The Deep for a special behind-the-scenes look.
In the meantime, enjoy this adorable photo from the youngest chick’s five-week vet check!
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ZOO UPDATE │ 8 Oct 2025
UP CLOSE WITH MELBOUNE ZOO'S SEALS
The new seal pool fence has quickly become a favourite feature for members and visitors alike. It offers incredible up-close views of our playful seals, whether they’re lounging on land or showing off their skills during training sessions. It’s a fantastic new way to connect with these amazing animals and see their unique behaviours. Be sure to check it out on your next visit to Melbourne Zoo!
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ANIMAL UPDATE │ 8 Oct 2025
X-TRA CARE FOR EMU NEEDING X-RAYS
An elderly Emu named Blinky has undergone a novel X-ray procedure without anaesthetic at Healesville Sanctuary. Because sedating Emus is risky, keepers spent 18 months training 22-year-old Blinky to voluntarily take part in his health check. Using food rewards and neck scratches, Blinky calmly stood still long enough for vets to capture clear hip X-rays in his habitat. The team is now working to diagnose the cause of his limp, while keepers provide pain relief and monitor his health ahead of the breeding season.
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NEW EXPERIENCE │ 1 Oct 2025
THE ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE AT MELBOURNE ZOO - NOW ON SALE!
Looking for a Zoo day you’ll remember forever? Get ready for a half-day full of unforgettable surprises and encounters at Melbourne Zoo with the Ultimate Experience!
Start your adventure with exclusive early-morning access to the Zoo, a magical time when the animals are just waking up. From there, your expert guide will take you behind-the-scenes for a series of surprise animal experiences.
Along the way, you’ll discover fascinating animal adaptations, conservation stories and fun facts that even our keeper talks don’t cover. We’ll then treat you to morning tea or an early lunch before you set off to enjoy the rest of the Zoo at your own pace.
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ZOO UPDATE │ 25 Sep 2025
ARID AVIARY AT HEALESVILLE SANCTUARY RE-OPENED
This week, we were excited to officially re-open the Arid Aviary at Healesville Sanctuary! The space has been completely transformed to reflect the stunning arid habitats that cover almost 70% of Australia. Featuring striking mock-rock, a new waterfall, and a flowing stream, the aviary now offers an immersive experience for both our members and the birds to enjoy.
Make sure you visit the aviary on the Woodlands Track during your next visit to Healesville Sanctuary.
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NEW EXPERIENCE │ 18 Sep 2025
TAKE A WALK WITH OUR ELEPHANT EXPERTS
Ever wondered what it takes to build a world-leading Elephant habitat? Join our elephant experts on an exclusive small-group walking tour and discover the innovative design behind our brand-new Elephant space at Werribee Open Range Zoo, created with the welfare and well-being of the elephants at its heart.
Members pay only $44.10 per person
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ANIMAL UPDATE │ 12 Sep 2025
REMEMBERING MAGRA
Healesville Sanctuary is saddened to share that Magra, our long-term Wedge-tailed Eagle, has passed away.
Magra arrived at the Sanctuary 28 years ago as a young bird that could not be released to the wild, and over the years she inspired countless visitors through her powerful presence. Earlier this year, keepers noticed changes in her behaviour and she was moved to our raptor rehabilitation facility for further assessment and treatment. When scans revealed significant changes to her organs and no signs of improvement, the kindest decision was made to euthanise her.
While the team continues to work closely with our other birds, including two Wedge-tailed Eagles preparing to take part in free-flight presentations, Magra will be deeply missed by all who cared for her and by the many people whose lives she touched.
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ZOO UPDATE │ 12 Sep 2025
MOTH TRACKER IS BACK
Each spring, Bogong Moths migrate up to 1,000 km to the alpine mountains, where hungry Mountain Pygmy-possums wake from hibernation. But with moth numbers in steep decline, these tiny possums may struggle to find enough food.
You can help by becoming a citizen scientist! If you spot a Bogong Moth, snap a photo and upload it to Zoos Victoria's Moth Tracker. Your sightings will help scientists track their migration and give hope to both species.
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ZOO UPDATE │ 19 Aug 2025
MELBOURNE ZOO GOES BANANAS FOR NEW BLENDED FAMILY
Melbourne Zoo is celebrating the arrival of three female Western lowland gorillas from Taronga Zoo, who have joined silverback Otana and his 10-year-old daughter, Kanzi.
After a careful transfer from Sydney and a period in quarantine, the trio have stepped onto the gorilla habitat for the first time. Keepers say the gorillas have been confidently exploring their new home, showing playful behaviours that signal they’re settling in well.
The new arrivals bring valuable social opportunities for Kanzi, helping her learn important communication and group dynamics from older, more experienced gorillas.
In the coming weeks, keepers will begin carefully introducing Otana and Kanzi to the new females, using gradual, closely monitored introductions to support a smooth transition.
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ZOO UPDATE │ 22 AUG 2025
"SCRUMPTIOUS LITTLE NOODLE" MELBOURNE ZOO'S GIRAFFE CALF HAS A NAME!
In just a few short weeks, Melbourne Zoo’s giraffe calf has gone from wobbly newcomer to star attraction — the first born at the Zoo in nearly 20 years. Visitors have watched him snuggle up to mum Nakuru, discover his legs with some spectacular zoomies, and grow bigger every day, stacking on 25 kilos in three weeks he now tips the scales at more than 100 kilograms. But every giraffe needs a name, so the vote was put to Zoos Victoria members. The three choices were: Tambi, meaning “noodle” in Swahili, Tamu meaning “sweet” and Enzi meaning “power” or “might”.
The winning name is Tambi [pronounced: Tum-bee] winning 48% of the votes.
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ZOO UPDATE │ 18 JUL 2025
LOVABLE "DUMPLING" LUPO MELTS HEARTS AT MELBOURNE ZOO
Melbourne Zoo has welcomed Lupo, a two-and-a-half-year-old South American Tapir with a big personality and a love for crunchy veggies. After travelling from Zoo Schmiding in Austria, Lupo has been settling in with plenty of munching, galloping and exploring.
“Lupo is calm, confident and a lot of fun,” says Ungulates Coordinator Luke Hausler. “He loves carrots, corn and celery—but isn’t too keen on capsicum!”
Nicknamed Knödel (meaning “dumpling”) by his Austrian keepers, Lupo even arrived with a baby book documenting his early milestones. He’s already made friends with local possums and is the first tapir at Melbourne Zoo in two years.
With his wriggly snout and playful nature, Lupo is quickly becoming a keeper favourite, and a new star at the Zoo. Stay tuned for more Lupo love!
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ZOO UPDATE │ 18 JUNE 2025
MELBOURNE ZOO WELCOMES NEW 'MONSTERS'
Melbourne Zoo has hatched eight Gila monsters — the largest clutch ever recorded — in a world-first success. These venomous, desert-dwelling reptiles are usually shy and slow-moving, despite their fearsome reputation. Keeper Jayden says, despite scary myths surrounding the creatures, they are usually quite harmless, as long as you leave them alone. Fascinatingly, their saliva contains a compound that helped lead to the development of Ozempic, the weight-loss and diabetes drug making global headlines.
Swing by the Reptile House on your next visit to Melbourne Zoo and meet our little Gila monsters!
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ZOO UPDATE │ 16 APR 2025
NEW PLAY SPACE AT HEALESVILLE SANCTUARY
Discover the all-new Banksia Grove Nature Play and Corroboree Frog Nature Play at Healesville Sanctuary. Climb through Banksia Cubbies, splash in the water play zone, and uncover hidden nature treasures. While the kids let loose in nature’s ultimate playground, relax on the Billabong deck with a delicious pizza in hand. Come and explore this exciting new space—where play and nature come together in the most playful way.
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