The ultimate summer school holiday celebration is now happening at Werribee Open Range Zoo with Hippo a Go-Go Beach Party activities each day until the end of January, thanks to support from the Allan Labor Government.
Kids can play in designated splash zones and enjoy bubbles, a live DJ and a range of kid-friendly games, while adults can sit in the shade and enjoy delicious food and drink - all at Hippo Beach, amongst the Zoo's resident hippopotamuses.
Werribee Open Range Zoo's Hippo Beach is home to 33-year-old hippo Primrose and her two daughters, Tulip and Lotus, who also love cooling off in their three large ponds. Visitors can watch the 1400-kilogram mammals devour more than 10 kilograms of hay, fruit and vegetables throughout the day.
Children under 16 years of age can enjoy the Hippo a Go-Go Beach Party for free when accompanied by a paying adult Zoo visitor. The event is 11am to 2pm each day until Sunday, 28 January.
Children under 16 years can enjoy free zoo entry to Werribee Open Range Zoo, Melbourne Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary and Kyabram Fauna Park on weekends, Victorian school holidays and public holidays.
Each year, Werribee Open Range Zoo welcomes nearly 400,000 visitors, including Zoos Victoria Members, and is expected to see more than 100,000 people visit this summer.
As part of the Labor Government's $88 million expansion of Werribee Open Range Zoo, the entire Asian elephant herd currently at Melbourne Zoo will move to Werribee once a purpose-built 21-hectare habitat is completed later this year.
The perimeter fencing installation has commenced and the elephant overpass has recently been installed at Werribee Open Range Zoo, which will allow the Asian elephant herd to walk between habitats and over pedestrian pathways below.
Werribee Open Range Zoo is open every day from 9am to 5pm.
As stated by Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos
"The Zoo is a great experience for kids and adults alike, teaching us more about animals and conservation as well as making cherished memories with family and friends."
As stated by Member for Point Cook Mathew Hilakari
"The Werribee Zoo brings so many new visitors to the western suburbs each year and we can't wait to welcome the Asian Elephant herd to their new home here in the future."
As stated by Zoos Victoria CEO Dr Jenny Gray
"Zoos Victoria summer events are a great way to bring the whole family together for an affordable day out where they can connect with wildlife while enjoying the summer sunshine."
