American bison and Asian wild horses are beginning to settle into their new homes at Werribee Open Range Zoo, as the tourist attractions $88 million expansion project reaches its first milestone.
Stage one of the zoo expansion has been completed, creating two management yards, new paddocks and veterinary species for the American bison and Asian wild horses, which are considered to be two priority conservation species.
Environment Minister Ingrid Stitt said zoo staff will now begin to migrate the American bison and Asian wild horses into their new facilities. This will enable works to commence on the 21-hectare Asian elephant habitat at the zoo, which will house the new herd that is currently at Melbourne Zoo.
Australian company Fairbrother has been appointed to deliver these works, as well as a pedestrian walking trail.
The purpose-built 21-hectare elephant habitat is expected to be complete and ready for its new residents in 2024.
The project was designed by award-winning Victorian landscape architecture practice TCL and prioritises animal welfare while providing an immersive experience that connect more visitors with Zoos Victoria’s fighting extinction work.
“This expansion will deliver a world-class experience for visitors and ensure our wonderful new Asian elephants and their calves have access to the best standard of care possible,” Ms Stitt said.
Funding for the zoo expansion was announced in November 2020.
As reported by Star Weekly, the government announced plans for a treetop Sky Safari gondola as part of the project.
The gondola will stretch across the zoo and provide 360-degree views of the zoo savannah, the You Yangs, Melbourne’s CBD and the bay beyond.
Zoos Victoria chief executive Dr Jenny Gray said the expansion would allow even more people to experience the wonder of wildlife in a safari setting, while they learn how they can contribute to fighting wildlife extinction.
The government said expanding Werribee Open Range Zoo will also provide a significant boost for the local economy with the creation of 118 jobs.
Details: development.vic.gov.au/WerribeeZooExpansion
