Zoo News Weekly

‘BARITONE’ FROGS WHISTLE A HOPEFUL TUNE

CONSERVATION UPDATE │ 29 MAy 2026

East Gippsland’s endangered Watson’s Tree Frog is about to get a lot louder, with 200 froglets and 1,200 tadpoles being released into the wild this season (November 2025 – April 2026).

NEW SPIDER MONKEY EXPERIENCE

experience UPDATE │ 29 MAy 2026

FANG-TASTIC RECOVERY: BONITO THE TASMANIAN DEVIL VISITS THE DENTIST

ANIMAL UPDATE │ 29 MAy 2026

WALLABIES GET SOME GLAM

ANIMAL UPDATE │ 19 MAy 2026

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.

WEIGH-IN WINS

ANIMAL UPDATE │ 19 MAy 2026

At Healesville Sanctuary, Wombats Gem and Milo recently took part in their routine weigh-in using a stationing behaviour with keepers Ben and Taylah, while Long-nosed Potoroo Paddlepop also participated in voluntary weighing sessions with the Nocturnal House team. Keepers are even using creative remote set-ups with scales and cameras to obtain weights for species like sugar gliders and squirrel gliders, including Tarra.

IT'S MEMBER MAY-HEM!

MEMBER UPDATE │ 19 MAy 2026

May is all about our incredible Zoos Victoria members! Whether you are a long-time member or have just joined, Member MAY-hem is your chance to win a share of over $100,000 worth of prizes from 1 May to 31 May and enjoy exclusive benefits just for being part of our zoo family.

blog │ 19 may 2026

Whether transporting animals interstate by road, overseas by air or even between habitats within the zoo, at Zoos Victoria everyone ensures the focus is on animal welfare.

From Zoo News Magazine Autumn 2026

HIPPOS AND ELEPHANTS GO FULL SMASHING PUMPKINS

ANIMAL UPDATE │ 15 MAY 2026

When you’ve got the biggest mouth of any land animal, you need snacks to match. With pumpkin season in full swing, the team at Werribee Open Range Zoo grew giant pumpkins especially for our three hippo girls, giving their powerful jaws the ultimate seasonal challenge.

BEN & JERRY'S DINO SUNDAE-SAURUS

cATERING UPDATE │ 27 aPR 2026

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.

Any 2 flavours of ice cream with fresh baked choc chip cookies & whipped cream, only $12.50!

blog │ 21 apr 2026

There’s double the trouble (and double the cuteness) waiting for you at Werribee Open Range Zoo, with our two lion cubs making their very first appearances out on habitat.

A COOL NEW SPACE FOR OUR SNOW LEOPARD FAMILY

ANIMAL UPDATE │ 20 Apr 2026 

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

This cool, shaded retreat better reflects the snow leopard’s natural alpine environment and gives the cubs a comfortable place to rest, play, and escape the warmer temperatures.

The cubs are already making the most of it, often curled up together inside for a cosy nap. With improved viewing into the space, visitors can now get closer than ever to these incredible animals.

Next time you visit, take a peek inside, you might just catch the cubs in their cutest moment yet.

blog │ 16 apr 2026

Melbourne Zoo’s four snow leopard cubs - the only snow leopard cubs in the whole of Australia – are described as “feisty”, “energetic” and at least one of them is “quite snoozy”. Now the tiny, three kilogram balls of soft fur have names – and they’re out on habitat.

A DOZEN DELIGHTFUL PYGMY-POSSUMS

conservation UPDATE │ 05 aPR 2026

Twelve tiny Mountain Pygmy-possums have been born at Healesville Sanctuary as part of our breeding program for this Critically Endangered species, a huge milestone for conservation.

The team has embraced a moth-inspired naming theme for some of the joeys, a nod to the Bogong Moths that are vital to the species’ survival during spring. Names include Behemoth, Mothilda, Woolly Mammoth and Mothball, inspired by one of the mums, Mammoth.

blog │ 1 apr 2026

From fieldwork across Victoria (and beyond) to supporting bushfire response efforts, our team has been hard at work protecting wildlife and preparing for key reintroductions this autumn. In this edition, we celebrate conservation milestones, share exciting species updates and show what your continued support helps us achieve in helping fight extinction.

blog │ 23 may 2026

Meet the team working to keep marine wildlife safe along Victoria’s vast coastline.

From Zoo News Magazine Autumn 2025

WHO'S CALLING?

ANIMAL UPDATE │ 20 MAR 2026

Have you heard this call at Healesville Sanctuary? Our members often ask which bird is making this beautiful sound.

It belongs to the Chiming Wedgebill, and it’s just as striking as his signature “hairstyle.”

If you’re a fan of The Hunger Games, you might notice it sounds a little like a Mockingjay.

CHEETAH RENO

Animal UPDATE │ 20 mar 2026

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.

WEDGE-TAILED EAGLE RESCUE SUCCESS

ANIMAL UPDATE │ 05 MAR 2026

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.

BIG BABY ELEPHANT NEWS

aNIMAL UPDATE │ 13 FEB 2026

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.

blog │ 16 feb 2026

The much-anticipated return of dinosaurs is here. Pay a visit to your three zoos this autumn to see the lifelike installations for yourself!

From Zoo News Magazine Autumm 2026

CONSERVATION MILESTONE FOR FATU HIVA MONARCH

animal UPDATE │ 13 feb 2026

Zoos Victoria and conservation partner SOP-Manu, alongside the people of Fatu Hiva Island, are celebrating a major milestone with the successful fledging of the first Fatu Hiva Monarch chick raised from an egg under human care.

With only 18 birds remaining worldwide and just three breeding females left in the wild, the achievement is a significant step forward for the world’s most endangered landbird. Native to Fatu Hiva Island in French Polynesia, the species faces threats including introduced predators, harsh weather and Avian Malaria.

Zoos Victoria has supported SOP-Manu since 2019 by providing specialist staff and veterinary equipment. Now 50 days old, the chick is feeding independently, offering renewed hope for the future of the species.

Photo: Societe d’Ornithologie de Polynesie-Manu

BLUE-FACED HONEYEATER JOINS HEALESVILLE SANCTUARY

ANIMAL UPDATE │ 28 JAN 2026

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!).

PRINCESS OF KYABRAM

ANIMAL UPDATE │ 28 JAN 2026

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!)

MEET OUR NEW FEATHERED FRIENDS

ANIMAL UPDATE │ 27 jan 2026

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 THE ECHIDNA CELEBRATES 40 YEARS!

ANIMAL UPDATE │ 07 jan 2026

Snoopy the echidna arrived at Healesville Sanctuary as an orphan in 1985 and is now celebrating the incredible milestone of turning 40. Her remarkable longevity is a testament to the dedicated care she receives, with echidnas in the wild believed to live between 14 and 40 years.

Although she’s slowed down a little with age, Snoopy remains in great health thanks to regular check-ups, tailored nutrition and enrichment activities provided by her keepers and wildlife vets. She shares her habitat with younger echidna Matilda, and the pair recently received a new ball pit designed to encourage natural foraging behaviours and keep them mentally active.

Visitors can meet Snoopy in the echidna habitat near the front entrance at Healesville Sanctuary.

NEW YEAR, NEW CROC

ANIMAL UPDATE │ 07 jan 2026

Say hello to Pangalawa, or Pangi for short, Melbourne Zoo’s newest resident. This 12-year-old Philippine crocodile recently arrived from Cologne Zoo in Germany after five years of planning by our keeper teams.

With fewer than 200 Philippine crocodiles left in the wild, Pangi is an important ambassador for her Critically Endangered species. Zoos Victoria has supported Philippine crocodile conservation alongside the Mabuwaya Foundation since 2000, helping protect habitats and support breeding and recovery efforts.

You can now visit Pangi at Melbourne Zoo.

SPOT THE "FOREST FAIRIES" AT HEALESVILLE SANCTUARY

Animal UPDATE │ 05 jan 2026

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.

blog │ 29 dec 2025

Maximise your time at the recently expanded Werribee Open Range Zoo with our tips for an action-packed itinerary.

From Zoo News Magazine Spring 2025

Published 29 December 2025

THE FAST AND THE FURRIEST CHEETAH ARRIVE AT WERRIBEE OPEN RANGE ZOO

animal UPDATE │ 22 dec 2026

Three new cheetahs have arrived at Werribee Open Range Zoo, sisters Mara and Mapenzi, aged seven, and 11-year-old Sansa. The trio recently settled into the African River Trail and are already exploring their new surroundings.

Closely bonded sisters Mara and Mapenzi share a habitat, while senior cheetah Sansa enjoys her own retirement space. Keepers say the trio all have distinct personalities, with Mara being confident and vocal, Mapenzi more reserved, and Sansa keeping a close eye on the neighbouring oryx and camels.

As the world’s fastest land animal, cheetahs can reach speeds of up to 110 km/h, but with fewer than 7,500 remaining in the wild, they remain vulnerable.

blog │ 12 dec 2025

Does ice cream have the power to change the world?

From Zoo News Magazine Spring 2025

blog │ 12 dec 2025

From hatching eggs to little heads popping out of pouches, spring signals an exciting time for animal lovers.

From Zoo News Magazine Spring 2025

blog │ 10 nov 2025

It’s a critical season, this is the breeding period offering a vital window

blog │ 27 oct 2025

The Southern Bent-wing Bat is the star of the newest Totes for Wildlife tote bag.

From Zoo News Magazine Spring 2025

blog │ 29 sep 2025

From beautiful Budgerigars to marvellous Musk Lorikeets, Healesville Sanctuary’s Land of Parrots is paradise for bird lovers.

From Zoo News Magazine Spring 2025

blog │ 19 sep 2025

Discover how a few small, but important actions citizen scientists take can help save two Endangered species whose lives are intertwined.

From Zoo News Magazine Spring 2024

blog │ 5 sep 2025

Zoos Victoria is committed to making all four of it's zoos more accessible , inclusive and safe for members, visitors, staff and volunteers.

From Zoo News Magazine Autumn 2025

blog │ 11 aug 2025

Designing habitats that meet the complex needs of animals takes expertise, planning and a touch of ingenuity.

From Zoo News Magazine Spring 2024

blog │ 22 jul 2025

Regardless of how much time you have, there are lots of ways to discover the delights of Healesville Sanctuary. We’ve put together an itinerary that will help you get the most out of your visit.

blog │ 21 jul 2025

Melbourne Zoo’s giraffe trio, Klintun, Nakuru and Iris, are settling into their new state-of-the-art barn – built from start to finish under their watchful eyes.

From Zoo News Magazine Winter 2025

blog │ 26 jun 2025

In this edition, we celebrate the Detection Dog team’s success in training dogs to locate the elusive Victorian Grassland Earless Dragon. We also share exciting news from our amphibian experts, who have cracked the breeding code for two more Fighting Extinction frog species and reflect on the first-ever release of sanctuary-bred Guthega Skinks to the Bogong High Plains.

blog │ 18 jun 2025

Here are some fun facts about the new Asian Elephant habitat at Werribee Open Range Zoo.

From Zoo News Magazine Autumn 2025

blog │ 6 Jun 2025

Living in a small apartment with your feline friend can be a delightful experience, but it does come with its own set of challenges. Here are some tips to ensure your cat stays happy, healthy, and safe, all while maximizing your limited space.

Published 6 June 2025

blog │ 21 may 2025

Each edition of Zoo News, we select one member question to be answered by our zoo keepers and experts. This edition we answered Aedan's question: "Could you please tell me what happened to the Coatis at Melbourne Zoo?"

From Zoo News Magazine Autumn 2025

blog │ 23 apr 2025

If you’ve ever wanted to get a better understanding of what ‘Caring for Country’ means, come meet Aboriginal Elder Murrundindi at Healesville Sanctuary.

From Zoo News Magazine Winter 2024

blog│ 10 Apr 2025

With a name meaning ‘bringer of joy and happiness’ in Zulu, Werribee Open Range Zoo’s youngest rhino, Jabulani, is certainly living up to his name. 

“He thinks the world is all set up for him,” says Rich, Werribee Open Range Zoo’s Savannah Coordinator. “He has plenty of confidence having mum right there acting as his bodyguard. He’s been doing zoomies, where he’ll do a big run‑around first thing in the morning.”

From Zoo News Magazine Autumn 2025

blog│ 27 Feb 2025

Excited to see the Asian elephants at Werribee Open Range Zoo? As they settle into their new home, get to know the herd—their favorite foods, unique features, fun facts, and quirks. Each elephant has its own personality and distinctive traits. Can you spot who's who when you visit them in their new home?

blog │ 15 JAN 2025

From repurposing old uniforms to recycling membership cards, no stone is left unturned when it comes to reducing waste at Zoos Victoria.

From Zoo News Magazine Spring 2024

blog│ 2 JAN 2025

Have you ever wondered what happens at the Zoo after dark? You could experience the thrill of a sleepover at Melbourne Zoo or Werribee Open Range Zoo.

From Zoo News Magazine Spring 2024

blog │ 11 oct 2024

If you’ve ever moved house, you’ll understand the enormity of the task at hand. Multiply that by the size of a nine-strong elephant herd and factor in details such as organising cranes and transport trucks; calculating the time required to load, transport and unload the elephants; and coordinating all the...

From Zoo News Magazine Winter 2024

blog │ 11 oct 2024

Have you ever wondered why ducks never look wet, or why Spotted-tail Quolls have spots? Discover how certain aesthetic features help these and other animals survive and thrive.

From Zoo News Magazine Winter 2024