Werribee Zoo Visit » Werribee Open Range Zoo

Werribee Zoo Visit
21-07-2009

For the first time in almost three years i visited WORZ. Arriving at 12:30, i headed out to the Volcanic Plains (first time). The area was very well vegetated and there were 10 - 15 Emus as well as a group of Kangas, Brolgas and Cape Barren Geese with their chicks (so cute!!). There are Eastern-barred Bandicoots as well as wallabies but i couldn't spot any.

I was impressed with the vegetation of the Volcanic Plains but it was lacking a diversity of species which seemed to bore many people (not myself).

I then began the safari tour. We were driven through the American Bison paddock, then the Preswalski Horse's, then the Blackbuck's and then the Camel and Scimitar-horned Oryx mixed exhibit. On the exit to the latter, there were Congo Buffalo, which the tour guide said are going to Melbourne Zoo as soon as there enclosure has finished being refurbished (is this next to the water recycling plant?).

Next we drove through the bull hippo's lake which the little kids seemed to love. We then entered the Greater Kudu paddock. After the death of their alpha male, the Kudu had accepted a Zebra as his successor. For now this is fine but another male of the same species will eventually be acquired so breeding can restart.

We went on past the Addax and then into the lower savannah floodplain which contains Waterbuck, Eland, Zebra, Southern White Rhinos and Giraffe. The two new Giraffes were in with all the other savannah animals. On our way back we drove past the Witusi(?) Cattle.

I thoroughly enjoyed this and all the animals made appearances.

Now to the Pula Walking Trail. First, i saw two Cheetahs who were right up against the glass and then i headed to the Kubu River Hippos exhibit (first time). And it didn't disappoint. I love the exhibit design and the small family of hippos were all lying stationary on the bank. The small hut with reptiles, frogs and fish was a bonus.

But i was most impressed by the African Hunting Dog enclosure. They could be viewed anywere along the elevated boardwalk as well as in the hut and under the boardwalk. Their exhibit was beautifully crafted and planted with a splendid range of plants. Lions on the Edge was looking great but i heard that the elderly lioness was under veterinary supervision for a medical condition. The Vervet Monkeys were as interesting as ever but i couldn't spot the baby.

I entered the Smugglers Beware exhibition and was pleasantly suprised. Learnt more in here than in the rest of the zoo.

The Watersmart Garden was gorgeous, definately worth the detour and the Chirnside Woolshed re-egnited my mother's memory.

Took loads of photos and will upload them when i next get the chance.

Overall, a great visit. I can certainly see this zoo holding Gorillas and Elephants in the future.

21-07-2009

Nice review, and how long did you spend at Werribee?

22-07-2009

Could you also give a list of the reptiles, frogs and fish at the hippo enclosure? Were they African or Australian species?

I was under the impression that Werribee held the only kudu in the country; where will they acquire a new male???

22-07-2009

I think you are quite right

22-07-2009

I spent 3 and 1/2 hours at the zoo.

The hut had Australian and African species: A bullfrog, a python, one small fishtank (not sure of the species) and freshwater crocodiles. I think that was it.

Werribee no longer have any male kudu but our guide told us they are getting another. Not sure where from though.

22-07-2009

Unless they have changed the import laws in regards to Antelopes where would another male come from?, maybe the guide got it wrong.

22-07-2009

the guide is just trying to ease your conscience. they will not be able to acquire any more kudu.

makes you wonder why castrating the only male in the country rather than exhibiting him separately was such a wise move.

25-07-2009

Lou, Your photos of the Werribee zoo exhibits are quite interesting the Hippo exhibit looks great, maybe the best in the country?

25-07-2009

Judging from my visits to other zoos and photos posted on this website, i would say Werribee definately has the best hippo exhibit in Australia.

25-07-2009

I really liked the riverboat-run-aground viewing area, abd I agree the Hippo enclosure was nice and large, but I'd still put Western Plains Zoo's enclosure as a bit better, now that they have access to an enormous paddock for browsing.

Hippo grazing enclosure - 2007




Hix

25-07-2009

Werribee's hippos have an area at the back of the enclosures for grazing.

27-07-2009

Yeah, but it's nowhere near as big!!!



Hix

28-07-2009

I have never visited either Werribee or TWPZ, but from photos and from what I've heard from ZooChatters both establishments have huge, amazing, hippo enclosures. However, underwater viewing raises the bar and it is a pity that the open-range zoos in Australia don't have the financial clout to install it in the exhibits.

28-07-2009

but with the size of the earthen ponds you would probably never see the hippos!

28-07-2009

no you wouldn't, and the money it would cost to keep the water clear enough to see the animals just wouldn't be worth it, maybe we'll see sometyhing for pygmy hippos but doubt we'll have underwater viewing for the big fellas