Sky Safari, elephant sanctuary to be built as part of $84 million Werribee Zoo upgrade
From a new elephant sanctuary to an aerial gondola providing birds-eye views, the Werribee Open Range Zoo is set for an $84 million makeover. Here’s what visitors can expect to see.
News
Don't miss out on the headlines from News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
An elephant sanctuary and an aerial gondola providing birds-eye views will be built at Werribee Open Range Zoo under a $84 million upgrade from the state government.
Premier Daniel Andrews on Wednesday announced the popular tourist destination would be transformed with a new funding pledge as part of this year’s State Budget.
Zoos across the state were forced to shut their doors during the coronavirus lockdown but since reopening have recorded strong attendance and are regularly booked out.
Under the new funding commitment, a new home will be built for Melbourne’s Asian elephants, currently at Melbourne Zoo, at Werribee.
It will provide 22ha of space for the elephants to roam and a walking trail for visitors.
A Sky Safari gondola will also be built to carry passengers around the park at treetop level while new water, rhino and bison areas will also be created.
Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said the project was ready to start within weeks and would create up to 350 jobs.
“It’s a massive project … The Sky Safari will be the first project that will be up and running,” she said.
An extension of the “Kids Free” offer will also mean Victorians under 16 will have admission waives on weekends, school holidays and public holidays until June 2021.
Zoos Victoria chief executive Dr Jennifer Gray said plans for the upgrade had been carefully developed to boost tourism and the local economy.
She said people had queued for hours to get tickets once the Werribee site had reopened.
“This is an incredible investment and probably beyond our expectations,” she said.
“We’ve been working with the minister and the local member for a few years to get the plans right and to do something really exceptional.
“We are now working on a master plan for Melbourne Zoo.
“Melbourne Zoo is one of the great zoos of the world and is turning 160 years old in two years time.”
MORE NEWS
WERRIBEE ZOO EXPANSION GETS $84M FOR EXPANSION
BEN COUSINS JAILED FOR STALKING MOTHER OF HIS CHILDREN
WHY CRAIG MCLACHLAN BROKE INTO SONG IN COURT
Originally published as Sky Safari, elephant sanctuary to be built as part of $84 million Werribee Zoo upgrade