A free visit to the zoo is a must do for Victorian families this school holidays, with new opportunities to learn and enjoy the wildlife and experiences Zoos Victoria has to offer, including newborn Asian elephants.
The Andrews Labor Government is making sure no child misses out on a visit to the zoo with free entry to Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Open Range Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary and Kyabram Fauna Park. The Kids Go Free program operates on school holidays, weekends and Victorian public holidays.
There is always something new to see on a zoo visit, including the new-look habitat for the Giant Tortoise at Melbourne Zoo. The new habitat is nearly double the size with a new heated/filtered pool and more topography variation for better exercise and health.
Zoos Victoria also recently welcomed three new Asian elephant calves, female Aiyara, male Roi-Yim and another female who was born on New Years Day. The newest calf's name will be decided by the public through online voting via Zoos Victoria's social media channels.
Next year, the herd and its newest members will move to a new purpose-built 21 hectare habitat, built as part of the Labor Government's $88 million expansion of Werribee Open Range Zoo.
Zoos Victoria has already welcomed more than 1 million visitors this financial year, providing opportunities to connect with nature and learn about more than 6,000 animals that live at the four zoos, as well as important conservation work outside the zoo.
With Kyabram Fauna Park in northern Victoria joining Zoos Victoria last year, there is more to get out and explore different parts of our state are. There is also Healesville Sanctuary where you can experience Australian wildlife and Werribee Open Range Zoo's safari, where you can see roaming rhino, zebras and giraffes.
To book ahead or find out what's on at Melbourne Zoo, visit zoo.org.au/melbourne/whats-on/events/summer-school-holidays/.
As stated by Acting Minister for the Environment Gayle Tierney
"We're proud to support the Kids Go Free program - so more families can experience a day out at Victoria's world-class zoos and learn about animals and build life-long memories together."
"Our zoos are home to magnificent animals from all over the globe and play an important role in conservation."
As stated by Zoos Victoria Acting CEO David Methven
"The Kids Go Free program means future generations can be inspired by wildlife and wild places, and join Zoos Victoria's mission to fight extinction."
