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!
WELCOME TO OUR LITTLE NYALA
Werribee Open Range Zoo has been eagerly awaiting the arrival of several Nyala calves, and we're thrilled to share that the first newborn has arrived and is already taking its first steps. While they can be a little tricky to spot, keep an eye out near the Woodlands Waterhole during your next safari – you might catch a glimpse of these adorable new additions roaming the savannah.
Published 22 May 2025
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PENGUINS VISIT TO THE VET
The Vet Department recently hosted its own colony of Little Penguins, with individuals hailing from Portarlington to Cape Schanck. Each penguin arrived underweight, pre-moult, and with very worn feathers. However, after some intensive care from the nurses and keepers, and being cleared of any infectious diseases by the vets, they were introduced to one another in the wildlife hospital. This became their home for the following weeks, where they reached their moulting weight, shed their old feathers, hung out by the pool and enjoyed their favourite food. All the penguins have since been released back into the wild, except for one that is very close to finishing its moult. A huge thank you to the MRU team for the enormous role they played in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of these little guys!
Published 22 May 2025
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Werribee Open Range Zoo has a new heartthrob
Werribee Open Range Zoo has welcomed a rugged new resident – Lakota, a 1,000-kilogram American Bison who recently made a dramatic two-and-a-half-kilometre dash to join a herd of 11 females. His arrival was described as "epic" by keepers, who witnessed tender moments as the herd eagerly greeted him. Members can now spot Lakota’s impressive horns and fluffy head on the zoo’s safari bus tours, as he settles into his new social group. Lakota is quite distinguishable because of his size – he is almost double the size of the females.
Published 22 May 2025
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max your may-hem with these hot tips
WEAR YOUR LANYARD: Wear your member lanyard so our staff can spot you — and you'll have even more chances to win a Daily giveaway. Don't have one? Simply present your member card at admissions or the Zoo Shop to request one.
BOOST YOUR CHANCE TO WIN: Each zoo has the same number of Daily giveaways, and with fewer members typically visiting Healesville Sanctuary and Kyabram Fauna Park in May, your chances of winning are even higher. There's no better time to visit!
CODES MADE FOR SHARING: Your 25% off code for General Admission tickets is made to share with your non-member mates. Know someone planning a visit? Send it their way. Just a reminder, the code is unique and can only be used once. Your unique ticket code is in your inbox
MORE ON AT HEALESVILLE: Healesville Sanctuary has lined up some extra daily experiences with our expert keepers. Just like the Daily giveaways, a few lucky members will be chosen for the adventure of a lifetime. From behind-the-scenes tours to up-close animal experiences— like feeding kangaroos, training with dingoes, or exploring the Tasmanian Devil Breeding Site — these experiences are truly one-of-a-kind.
Published 8 May 2025
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What's on in term 2
This term at Melbourne Zoo, kids can enjoy daily educator-led activities — free Nature Play in the Bush Explorers garden at 10am and Story Time in Keeper Kids at 11:30am.
At Werribee Open Range Zoo, Toddler Tuesdays has commenced in Ranger Kids. This is a new weekly event with activities for toddlers.
No booking required and free for members!
Published 8 May 2025
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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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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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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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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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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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