Plenty of flora was added to the fauna at Werribee Open Range Zoo last week, with 2000 trees planted during a tree planting day on Wednesday October 25.
State Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos and Point Cook MP Mathew Hilakari were among those getting their hands dirty, contributing to the 14,000 trees that have recently been added to the zoo grounds as part of broader efforts to green Melbourne’s western suburbs.
The More Trees for a Cooler, Greener West initiative is aimed at expanding tree coverage in the western suburbs, which in 2018 had just 5.5 per cent canopy cover in urban areas compared to 17.4 per cent in the inner south-east and 25.9 per cent in the east.
Since then 320,000 trees have been planted outside schools, along trails, in
parks, on residential streets and now at zoos in Wyndham and the rest of Melbourne’s west.
Minister Dimopoulos said planting trees had a multitude of benefits.
“We’re planting trees to create cooler, greener spaces for visitors and animals at Werribee Open Range Zoo to
enjoy,” he said.
“Together with our investment in parks, we’re boosting liveability, improving air quality, and tackling climate change.”
The new trees will complement the $88 million expansion of Werribee Open Range Zoo which includes a purpose-built elephant habitat to house an Asian elephant herd.
Zoos Victoria CEO Dr Jenny Gray welcomed their addition.
“Zoos Victoria is grateful for the investment in green spaces to not only support the animals and visitors at Werribee Open Range Zoo, but also to provide habitat for wildlife that chooses to visit or live within the grounds.”
The new trees will also be irrigated as part of the Werribee Recycled Water Expansion scheme, which will provide the Zoo with a reliable supply of Class A recycled water and replaces the need for water extractions from the Werribee River.
