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!
MEMBER MAY-HEM IS OFFICIALLY HERE
And we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate with you! In case you missed it, May is all about our incredible Zoos Victoria members. You’ll have the chance to win a share of over 4,000 prizes valued at over $130,000 and enjoy exclusive benefits — just for being part of our zoo family. Plus, every time you visit during May, you get an extra entry into the draws.
We sent your exclusive discount codes on May 1 to the primary member of your household.
Can't find them? Get in touch with us.
Phone: 1300 966 784
Email: contact@zoo.org.au
Published 2 May 2025
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CELEBRATE MOTHER'S DAY WITH A GLOBAL CULINARY JOURNEY!
This Mother’s Day, treat your loved ones to a unique dining experience that celebrates the rich tapestry of global cuisine. Delight in a thoughtfully curated menu featuring a blend of sweet and savoury dishes, inspired by diverse flavours, textures, and stories from around the world. After your meal, explore the wonders of the zoo and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Spots are limited, so book now to reserve your place at this unforgettable celebration.
SOLD OUT: Mother's Day Brunch at Werribee Open Range Zoo
LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE:
Published 2 May 2025
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FREE CAR SEAT SAFETY CHECK
We’ve teamed up with Victoria Police and Kidsafe Victoria to offer FREE child car restraint checks. Keeping our little adventurers safe on the road is a top priority. Ensuring your child car restraint or booster seat is properly fitted can be the difference between safety and risk during a journey.
Werribee Open Range Zoo: Monday 12 May, 9am–2pm
Melbourne Zoo: Friday 16 May, 9am–2pm
Published 24 April 2025
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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.
Published 16 April 2025
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SPEAKER SERIES: HELP US PROTECT NATURE'S TINY AND MIGHTY
You're invited to a free Speaker Series event launching Zoos Victoria’s End of Year Campaign: Be part of the change at Melbourne Zoo. Help us protect nature's tiny and mighty. Discover our bold new vision to lead in invertebrate conservation and hear from experts about the vital role these tiny but mighty creatures play in protecting our planet. Join us in-person or online and be part of this remarkable transformation.
Published 16 April 2025
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MEMBER MAY-HEM IS COMING
This May, we're making it all about YOU! Introducing... Member MAY-hem! We’re celebrating our incredible Zoos Victoria members with a month full of exclusive benefits and epic giveaways. Whether you’ve been with us for years or just joined the zoo family, Member MAY-hem is your chance to share in over 4,000 prizes—with winners every day from 1–31 May. There is more than $130,000 in giveaways, plus special perks and surprises including increased discounts and offers on General Admissions tickets, all just for being a member.
Keep an eye on your emails for more info, including exclusive codes and prize details!
Published 10 April 2025
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HOP ON THE NEW WERRIBEE SHUTTLE
Explore Werribee and Surrounds on board a new Free Visitor Shuttle Bus! This new trial service makes it easier for visitors to travel between Werribee Train Station and enjoy some of the region's biggest attractions, including Werribee Open Range Zoo, the Victoria State Rose Garden and Wyndham Harbour. The service will run daily during the April school holidays, before moving to four-days-a-week (Friday – Monday) until 23 June.
Published 8 April 2025
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new moon jellyfish have DRIFTED IN
We’re excited to welcome Moon Jellyfish to Wild Sea at Melbourne Zoo — a brand-new species for the space and a truly magical addition to your underwater journey. Their arrival is the result of months of behind-the-scenes work by our expert team, including the installation of specialised jellyfish displays (called Kreisels), the setup of delicate hatching systems, and the creation of facilities to ensure a thriving Moon Jelly population. With their ethereal glow and hypnotic movement, these graceful creatures are already enchanting visitors. Don’t miss them on your next visit.
Published 8 April 2025
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OTTERS ON THE MOVE
Keep an eye out for Felix the Pygmy Hippo’s new neighbours on your next stroll along Melbourne Zoo’s Gorilla Trail. Odie and Paula, our otter parents, have temporarily moved in while we navigate some family dynamics within their group. They’re settling in well, very active and loving their new digs.
Published 8 April 2025
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Cozy Rooms for Pollinators
If you’ve strolled along the Forest of Wonder trail recently, you may have spotted some new additions!
We’ve been busy bees, crafting our own bee hotels for our invertebrate garden—using repurposed materials from around the Zoo. The posts, made from red gum salvaged from the old Wild Sea pier, feature carefully drilled holes (4.5mm, 5.5mm, and 7mm) to welcome leaf cutter bees, resin bees, and hopefully masked bees. Positioned north-east to catch the morning sun, they’re already buzzing with activity!
Next time you visit, keep an eye out for these tiny pollinators moving in!
Published 2 April 2025
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Jabulani meets his dad
A heartwarming moment recently unfolded at Werribee Open Range Zoo as seven-month-old Southern White Rhino calf Jabulani met his towering dad, Kifaru, for the first time. Despite the size difference—Kifaru is five times his size—Jabulani stood his ground, curiously locking horns with his father while calmly chewing on some food. Protected by his mum Kipenzi and a strong female herd, Jabulani remained unfazed during the encounter, which keepers carefully planned to mirror natural wild herd dynamics. Southern White Rhinos are classified as Near Threatened, and the Zoo’s breeding program plays a vital role in their conservation. Visitors can spot Jabulani, Kifaru and the rest of the rhino crash on a safari bus tour, included with entry.
Published 27 March 2025
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DID YOU KNOW THERE ARE BIRDS LIVING IN THE BUTTERFLY HOUSE AT MELBOURNE ZOO?
Recently, we welcomed a Rose-crowned Fruit Dove fledgling, and it's growing fast! This little one is becoming more independent each day but is still being lovingly fed by its parents, Lily and Pily. It's already flying confidently and exploring every corner of the Butterfly House. At the end of the day, you'll often find it snuggled up next to mum for a cozy night's sleep. Make sure you look out for them on your next visit.
Published 27 March 2025
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MEET THE HERD
Published 27 February 2025
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ELEPHANT UPDATE FROM WERRIBEE OPEN RANGE ZOO
Published 20 February 2025
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LOVE IS IN THE AIR WITH OUR BLEEDING-HEART DOVES
Keen-eyed members may have spotted some new residents at Melbourne Zoo, our Bleeding-Heart Doves.
Bleeding-heart doves are a group of ground-dwelling pigeons native to the forests of the Philippines. Their name comes from the dramatic red or orange patch on their chest, which looks like a wound, giving the illusion that the bird is bleeding. Despite their appearance, these doves are completely unharmed—the "bloodstain" is actually just a patch of vividly coloured feathers.
Why Do They Have Red Feathers?
The exact reason for this unique feature is not fully understood, but there are a few strong theories:
1. Camouflage & Distraction
In dense forest environments, bright markings can serve as a form of disruptive camouflage, breaking up the bird’s outline. The red patch might also act as a distraction, drawing a predator’s attention away from more vulnerable areas.
2. Mate Attraction
Like many birds, bleeding-heart doves rely on visual signals to attract mates. Their striking red patch could indicate good health and genetic fitness, making them more appealing to potential partners.
3. Territorial Display
Some scientists believe the red patch may also play a role in communication between doves, signalling dominance or warning rivals to stay away.
Visit the Bleeding-Heart Doves next to Hutan the Tiger in the Forest of Wonder.
Published 11 February 2025
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THE BIG MOVE IS UNDERWAY!
We’re excited to share that Luk Chai, our energetic, inquisitive, and confident male elephant, was the first to make the big move today! The journey went smoothly, thanks to a massive team effort involving veterinarians, transport experts, and even Victoria Police. The rest of the herd will be joining him in the coming weeks.
Published 06 February 2025
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the 2025 members' photo competition is now open
Have you snapped any striking photos of our amazing animals? This competition showcases stunning member-captured images in our annual calendar, reaching over 100,000 households across Victoria and beyond.
Published 06 February 2025
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NAME REVEAL FOR OUR NEW JOEY
Thank you for helping us choose a name for Healesville Sanctuary's adorable new Goodfellow’s Tree Kangaroo joey!
Our keepers selected three names inspired by Papua New Guinea, the native home of this unique species. Members voted for their favourite, choosing between:
- Murua – a district (pronounced moo-roo-wa)
- Mungili – meaning precious or beautiful (moon-gi-lee)
- Mongo – seeds from trees (mon-go)
The votes are in, and the winning name is... Mungili!
Little Mungili is becoming more active every day, so don’t miss the chance to spot them on your next visit to Healesville Sanctuary.
Published 30 January 2025
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NEW FACE AT MELBOURNE ZOO
Have you met Khan? Our new 2-year-old Komodo dragon, is making history as the first Komodo dragon bred in Australia and the very first to call Melbourne Zoo home! Visit Keeper Kids on your next trip to the zoo, where you can now see both our biggest dragon and our smallest dragon, the Victorian grassland earless dragon, in the same space.
Published 30 January 2025
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PENGUIN CAM
During nesting season, penguins might be a little harder to spot—but now you can catch all the action on the big screen! Next time you visit Wild Sea at Melbourne Zoo, look up to see a live cam projection of the nesting boxes in action. 🐧
Published 17 January 2025
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New to melbourne zoo
Step into the Forest of Wonder—an immersive nature trail celebrating the beauty of butterflies, incredible insects, and the vibrant ecosystems they call home.
Discover the interactive touch wall, giant bug displays, and delightful new additions in the Butterfly House. This new experience will spark curiosity, inspire learning, and bring out the explorer in kids (and kids at heart)!
Published 17 December 2024
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RIBBITING GOOD NEWS
As you know, Zoos Victoria is committed to fighting wildlife extinction. For many species, our long-term commitment is their only hope of survival. For several years, we’ve been breeding Northern Corroboree Frogs to help bolster the wild populations, which are critically endangered. Recently, a team of amphibian experts travelled to Namadgi National Park, so 150 Northern Corroboree Frogs could return to the wild.
This conservation work is made possible thanks multiple partners and supporters. Special thanks to ACT Parks and Conservation Service and researcher Ben from ANU Fenner School of Environment & Society.
Published 17 December 2024
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