Zoo News Weekly

You are warmly invited to the launch of Zoos Victoria’s End of Year campaign: Help Build a Regional Home for Wildlife Recovery. Be among the first to hear the vision for the new wildlife hospital at Kyabram Fauna Park, supporting injured animals and the dedicated carers who help them heal. Join us in person or online and be part of something truly meaningful.

Dinosaurs have taken over the zoo, and Ben & Jerry's is joining the fun! To celebrate all things prehistoric, you can dig into a limited-time Dino Sundae-saurus on your next visit. It’s the perfect sweet treat to enjoy between spotting life-sized dinos and exploring the zoo.

You may have noticed something new in the snow leopard habitat, a purpose-built cold cave designed especially for our growing family.

This new space provides a cooler, shaded retreat that better reflects the snow leopard’s natural alpine environment. It’s an important addition as the cubs continue to grow, giving them a comfortable place to rest, play, and escape the warmer temperatures.

And they’re already making the most of it. The cubs can often be found curled up together inside the cave, enjoying a nap in their cosy new hideaway. It’s quickly become a favourite spot, not just for them, but for visitors too.

With improved viewing into the space, you can now get closer than ever to these incredible animals. Next time you visit, be sure to take a peek inside — you might just catch the cubs in their cutest moment yet.

We’re excited to share that 12 Mountain Pygmy-possum joeys have been born at Healesville Sanctuary as part of our breeding program for this Critically Endangered species. Three mums each welcomed litters of four — the maximum for these tiny marsupials.

Now a few months old, the joeys have had their first health checks and are thriving behind the scenes, with some adorably named after moths (a key food source), including Behemoth, Mothilda, Woolly Mammoth and Mothball. Mountain Pygmy-possums were once thought to be extinct until they were rediscovered at Mt Hotham in the 1960s. They are Australia’s only true hibernating marsupial spending at least five months of the year sleeping under snow. They are a good indicator species for how our alpine habitats are faring as our environment changes.

The IUCN Red List classifies this species as Critically Endangered with a decreasing population. Threats to their survival include the reduction of Bogong Moth populations as they are key spring food source, climate change, loss of habitat and predation from cats and foxes. With fewer than 2,000 remaining in the wild, every joey plays an important role. Thanks to your support as a member, you’re helping protect species like the Mountain Pygmy-possum and secure their future. 

Did you know, you can now see Mountain Pygmy-possum at Healesville Sanctuary in the Nocturnal House!

In December, we learned that the former African Wild Dog habitat would soon welcome two beautiful new residents, cheetah sisters Mara and Mapenzi.

With just under two weeks to prepare, the team quickly set to work refreshing the habitat to ensure it was ready for their arrival. This included removing and relocating large aloe plants to improve visitor sightlines, and building up a mound to give the sisters a perfect lookout point over their new territory. When Mara and Mapenzi were first released into the habitat, they carried out a very thorough inspection, carefully exploring every corner. 

Thankfully, our renovations passed their test! After a few months investigating, the sisters have settled in well, clearly approving of their surroundings and claiming the space as home.

A young Wedge-tailed Eagle chick found injured on a farm north-east of Melbourne has been successfully returned to the wild after an incredible team effort.

After falling 30 metres from its nest and fracturing its wing, the eaglet was cared for by the veterinary team at Healesville Sanctuary’s Australian Wildlife Health Centre. Once healed, the bird built up its strength in the Sanctuary’s Raptor Rehabilitation Centre before being carefully returned to its nest and reunited with its parents, the best possible outcome for the young eagle.

Members can visit the Australian Wildlife Health Centre at Healesville Sanctuary and see the dedicated veterinary team caring for wildlife in real time.

There’s a new oversized friend waiting at Werribee Open Range Zoo! Our brand-new jumbo plush has landed in store, perfect for cuddles, gifts, or the ultimate wildlife souvenir. Members can take one home for $212.50, thanks to their exclusive member discount.

Available now while stocks last, be sure to visit the retail store during your next zoo adventure.

After 18 years, Dr Jenny Gray has made the decision to step down as CEO of Zoos Victoria, with her last day being April 30, 2026. Jenny is stepping up into a role in the USA to lead Monterey Bay Aquarium. We are extremely grateful for Jenny’s leadership and the considerable contributions she has made during her time with Zoos Victoria. She leaves a lasting legacy from the transformation of Zoos Victoria into a global conservation leader and the exponential growth of the organisation’s contribution to the Victorian community. 

Dr Mark Pilgrim OBE, currently Director of Werribee Open Range Zoo, has been appointed as Interim CEO while the Board undertakes search and recruitment for Dr Gray’s successor. Mark steps into the role with a depth of experience that few leaders in our sector can match, having progressed from bird keeper to CEO during his 30‑year career at Chester Zoo, where he delivered major strategic projects.

We greatly value your support and confidence as we move into this next phase.

It’s time to let our members in on a very BIG secret…

Three of Zoos Victoria’s Asian elephants are expecting! Num-Oi, Dokkoon and Mali are all pregnant, with calves due around April 2027. Get ready for the pitter patter of not-so-little feet!

Just one year after the herd made their incredible journey from Melbourne Zoo to their expansive new home at Werribee Open Range Zoo, we’re celebrating an exciting milestone, not only for Zoos Victoria and our members, but for Asian elephant conservation.

The purpose-built Elephant Trail gives the nine-member herd the space, choice and complexity they need to truly thrive. With room to roam, forage, play and strengthen social bonds, it’s the perfect place to welcome the next generation.

We can’t wait to share this next chapter with you.

Zoos Victoria and conservation partner, together with the people of Fatu Hiva Island celebrate the success of the first Fatu Hiva Monarch chick raised from an egg under human care.

In a significant advance for the most endangered landbird in the world, the first captive-raised Fatu Hiva monarch has successfully fledged under the care of SOP-Manu – the Societe d’Ornithologie de Polynesie-Manu. This success comes after two years of no breeding and brings the global population of this species to 18 birds.“With only three breeding females in the wild, each egg is a hope for the survival of the species,” said Chiara Ciardiello, SOP-Manu's captive breeding project manager.

The species is endemic to Fahu Hiva Island in French Polynesia and was once widespread there. But introduced rats, feral cats, unusually cold and wet winters and most recently Avian Malaria have driven the bird close to extinction. Zoos Victoria has partnered SOP-Manu since 2019, providing specialist staff and veterinary equipment.

Today, the 50-day-old monarch flutters about and feeds independently. This success confirms that even in a critical situation after two years of failure, hope remains when joint efforts are combined to strengthen expertise.

Photo: Societe d’Ornithologie de Polynesie-Manu

As temperatures soar over 30 degrees, Chantilly the Lace monitor has been soaking up the sunshine at Healesville Sanctuary. Much like us on a sweltering day, this large lizard enjoys a cool dip, lapping it up in his pond much to the delight of visitors.
 
Healesville Sanctuary Reptile Keeper Courtney Pridgeon said monitors or goannas can be incredible swimmers, and they swim for a variety of reasons.
“It can be part of them moving through their habitats, like crossing a river, as an area of refuge, a place to hunt or even to help them thermoregulate.
In Chantilly’s case, it helps him to manage his body temperature on warmer days,” Ms Pridgeon said.
 
“As ectotherms, goannas don’t regulate their body temp like we do and rely on external sources like the sun or their environment to warm up and cool down.”

Our keepers captured the sweet moment when baby boy meets his dad, Klintun!

Klintun’s calm curiosity and quiet confidence created the perfect first introduction, marking an important step in the calf’s development and place within the herd. Moments like these remind us just how extraordinary it is to witness the social bonds and family dynamics of these remarkable animals up close.

We’ve been made aware that there is a phishing email that appears to come from Zoos Victoria. Please do not click any links in suspicious emails and always take a moment to verify the sender before opening or responding.

A few handy tips:

• We’ll never ask for your password or payment details via email
• Check the sender’s email address carefully, our emails will always end in @zoo.org.au
• Be cautious of urgent language like “your account will be suspended”

If you receive an email you’re unsure about, it’s always best not to click any links. You can contact our team directly on 1300 966 784 if you are unsure.

On 6 February, we marked one year since Luk Chai made his move from Melbourne Zoo to Werribee Open Range Zoo!

Luk Chai was soon joined by Num-oi, Kati and Kulab on 8 February, followed by Mek Kapah, Dokkoon, Mali, Roi-Yim and Aiyara on 10 February, completing this extraordinary new chapter for our herd.

Over the past year, it has been a true privilege to watch these intelligent and curious elephants settle into their expansive new home. Their presence has had a profound impact, not only on members and visitors, but on our keepers, volunteers and the entire zoo community.

The Bird Team is excited to have a Blue-faced Honeyeater back on display for Healesville Sanctuary visitors. Just six years old, he arrived from Western Australia in December and is now living in the Woodlands Aviary and generating a lot of interest from his new neighbours (especially our juvenile Eastern Whipbirds who are very curious!).

Kyabram Fauna Park have welcomed 2-year-old female Spotted-tailed Quoll Bobby! Keepers have nicknamed her 'Princess Bobby' because she's beautiful, quiet and likes to sleep in her log all day (which makes sense since quolls are nocturnal!)

Dinos at the Zoo is coming back and it’s bigger and better than ever! From April to 12 July, Melbourne Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary and Werribee Open Range Zoo will transform into prehistoric playgrounds, with lifelike, animatronic dinosaurs appearing along immersive trails. Come face-to-face with towering Brachiosaurus, a Triceratops family, and even a full-size T. rex and Giganotosaurus, complete with movement and sound for a truly Jurassic adventure.

And the best part? It’s FREE with your zoo membership!

Stay tuned for more info soon.

We are incredibly excited to introduce a new bird species to Healesville Sanctuary visitors – the stunning Macleay's Fig Parrot (or Red-browed Fig Parrot). Four boys arrived at Healesville and are now settling into an aviary with our Noisy Pitta (‘Brad’). Despite their name, these beautiful birds (the smallest parrots in Australia) eat a variety of fruits and insect larvae, although they do also love figs. Healesville Sanctuary is currently the only ZAA-accredited institution in Victoria to care for this species. You can see them now on the Woodlands Track!

Snoopy arrived at Healesville Sanctuary as a tiny orphan back in 1985, and she’s been winning hearts ever since. Now 40 years young, this much-loved echidna is enjoying her golden years in the Sanctuary’s peaceful bushland. Snoopy reaching this remarkable longevity feat is a testament to the care she receives at the Sanctuary. In the wild, guidance on lifespan ranges from 14-40 years old. It is believed their low body temperature and slow metabolism help them live longer too. 

While Snoopy has slowed down a little with age, she’s in great health and receives plenty of extra care from our dedicated keepers and wildlife vets, including regular health checks, special nutrition and enrichment to keep her curious and active. She even shares her habitat (and a fun ball pit!) with Matilda, her younger echidna roommate. "We recently introduced a ball pit into their habitat a part of our enrichment strategy for our echidnas. It helps to promote natural behaviours such as foraging and maintain cognitive health by spiking their inquisitive nature, which we love to see,” says Keeper Taylah.

You can say hello to Snoopy in the echidna habitat near the front entrance on your next visit.

Say hello to Pangalawa, or Pangi for short, Melbourne Zoo’s newest resident and a very special arrival. This 12-year-old Philippine crocodile has travelled all the way from Cologne Zoo in Germany to her new home, after five years of careful planning by our keeper teams.

Although she’s one of the smaller crocodile species, Pangi is still every bit a croc, strong bite included! Over the next few years, keepers hope she’ll grow big enough to meet Melbourne Zoo’s other Philippine crocodile, Luzon, with the long-term goal of supporting the conservation of this incredible species. 

Pangi is an important ambassador for her species. Philippine crocodiles are the most critically endangered crocodiles in the world, with fewer than 200 left in the wild. Zoos Victoria is proud to work alongside the Mabuwaya Foundation to help protect this species. Together, we’ve been supporting conservation efforts in north-east Luzon in the Philippines since 2000, helping to monitor crocodiles, protect habitats, work with local communities and support breeding and release programs. Thanks to this long-term partnership Philippine crocodile numbers in the region are slowly increasing.

You can visit Pangi at Melbourne Zoo and learn more about how Zoos Victoria is helping protect endangered wildlife.

Our peccaries at Melbourne Zoo have settled into their new home in the former cassowary habitat! Our fantastic Ungulates team safely crated and moved all three peccaries in under 25 minutes, an impressive effort! They’re now starting to explore their new space, so keep an eye out for them in the Forest of Wonder on your next visit.

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.

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.

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.

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!