Launch kicks off with a series of cultural weekends
Werribee Open Range Zoo has launched a newly-built Ranger Village space along the Zoo’s African River Trail, with activities to be held until the end of the month.
The outdoor event space is open to all visitors during weekends, school holidays and public holidays, and is designed to host education activities for visiting school groups during term periods.
The space transports visitors into an African Village setting, complete with manual water pump, compacted earth seating, a retired safari bus and a fire pit to share stories around during the colder months.
The cultural weekends program celebrates the rich history and practices of African and Indigenous Australian communities and connect visitors with Zoos Victoria’s vision for a future rich in wildlife.
From 11am to 3pm on Saturday, May 29, visitors can participate in activities, such as hair braiding and head wrapping tutorials, make jewellery and craft from found Australian objects, enjoy storytelling sessions with Wadawurrung Elder Aunty Judy and South African musician/storyteller Valanga Khoza.
The Zoo’s popular Village Markets will also occur alongside the African cultural days, offering food, drink and an array of handcrafted items for purchase.
Werribee Open Range Zoo Cultural Liaison Officer Agum Maluach said the Zoo’s Cultural Weekends will inspire people of all ages through conservation stories and activities.
“We’re giving our visitors the opportunity to be immersed in both cultural offerings,” Ms Maluach said. “It’s a fantastic way to educate our visitors about the role of wildlife and nature in the lives of both Indigenous Australian and African peoples.”
Entry to Cultural Weekends is included in Zoo admission: $38 for adults and $19 for children aged 4 to 15 years. Children enter free on weekends and public holidays. Proceeds from admission go towards Zoos Victoria’s efforts to fight wildlife extinction.
Zoo members and visitors are reminded that all tickets to the Zoo must be pre-booked at zoo.org.au and asked to follow the current COVIDSafe directions at www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
