Werribee Open Range Zoo (WROZ) is the place to be this Christmas Day, with the zoo open from 9am to 5pm with a full schedule of fascinating keeper talks and walking paths.
Guests can gander at gorillas, lions, hippos, monkeys and all types of African wildlife doing their thing on the savannah.
The iconic safari buses will be shuttling to-and-fro, giving visitors the opportunity to learn about species like giraffe, zebra and antelope.
If you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse of Jabulani– the 3-month-old southern white rhino calf who has become something of a celebrity these days.
Christmas will be jolly, but the fun will last all summer.
From January 26, the splash park will be in full swing at Hippo Beach where kids can beat the summer heat and play in the water while looking out at the three gorgeous hippo girls.
There will also be a kid-friendly DJ playing jungle beats at hippo beach daily.
Every Saturday from January 4 to March 8, WORZ’s iconic Sunset Safari event will also be up and running.
Visitors will be able to adventure onto the savannah for an intimate, extended safari tour in the evening and delight in immersive African performances, while enjoying cocktails and snacks at Hippo Beach or feast with family and friends on a traditional African braai barbecue.
Christmas may be a holiday for us, but Zoos Victoria wants the public to know it is important to respect other creatures.
While research suggests that anthropomorphising wildlife may increase visitor-animal connection, it risks perpetuating the idea that the animal would make a good pet.
Giving animals in captivity the control and choice is key to maintaining their positive welfare.
Jaidyn Kennedy
