Werribee Open Range Zoo Werribee Open Range Zoo News 2025

[Jambo]

Absolutely no way is an Australian safari experience not going to have there asian knock of version of an African antelope out on there African safari. No way.


It's also an issue when you tell the public there antelopes. But then the antelopes are actually asian that are out with the African animals. I have noticed while zoo's don't hide it they certainly gloss over it. The general public are not great at the whole 'stand in for another species' concepts.

To be fair, the Blackbuck aren't technically on the 'African Savannah'. At the moment, they're in the Woodlands drive through section, grouped with Nyala.

Werribee has quite obviously elected to stick with the 'African theme' mainly - but have still shown interest in dabbling in other regions ie. their Bison/Mongolian Wild Horse, Northern Plains display, their Australian trail and now the newly built complex for their Asian Elephants which will also eventually feature the Blackbuck.

 

[Tiger91]

To be fair, the Blackbuck aren't technically on the 'African Savannah'. At the moment, they're in the Woodlands drive through section, grouped with Nyala.

Werribee has quite obviously elected to stick with the 'African theme' mainly - but have still shown interest in dabbling in other regions ie. their Bison/Mongolian Wild Horse, Northern Plains display, their Australian trail and now the newly built complex for their Asian Elephants which will also eventually feature the Blackbuck.

Still mixed with African species tho. Which with the IRA active its not unfeasible that they couldn't get an African species that resembles them to use. Id much rather they put them in the asian (elephant) section and keep them there and display them solely as an asian species. There would be a large chunk of people that would even be aware asian had antelope.

 

[Jambo]

Still mixed with African species tho. Which with the IRA active its not unfeasible that they couldn't get an African species that resembles them to use. Id much rather they put them in the asian (elephant) section and keep them there and display them solely as an asian species. There would be a large chunk of people that would even be aware asian had antelope.

I'm not sure whether the breeding group (and bachelor group) will both be making the move across - it's possible it would just be one or the other, and my speculation is it would be the bachelor group of males rather than a breeding group with youngsters which could be troublesome.

In that case the breeding group of Blackbuck will remain in their present exhibit; which isn't terrible, as said exhibit feels rather empty anyway. It could absolutely do with additional species of antelope.

 

[Zoofan15]

I'm not sure whether the breeding group (and bachelor group) will both be making the move across - it's possible it would just be one or the other, and my speculation is it would be the bachelor group of males rather than a breeding group with youngsters which could be troublesome.

In that case the breeding group of Blackbuck will remain in their present exhibit; which isn't terrible, as said exhibit feels rather empty anyway. It could absolutely do with additional species of antelope.

I believe it was mentioned (either on here; or via Zoos Victoria’s socials) that bachelor male Indian antelope would be housed in the elephant complex, with the breeding herd remaining in the current exhibit.

Although the robustness of adult males versus calves is moot when comparing them to 5 tonne bull elephant, the hope is they form an amicable relationship and outside of Luk Chai’s musth cycles, I don’t foresee any issues.

Aside from this, these are massive paddocks. If visitors are gonna see something from a distance, then jet black male Indian antelope are more visible than the females and young, which would effectively camouflage,

 

[Zorro]

At the end of the day there is no excuse anymore to do this its a real cheap cop-out, I might be "old school" but I believe they could do better, as has been mentioned before the Nyala import into New Zealand was a big success, there is no reason as to why they could not do the same with another species as "was" the original ZAA plan to import Impala and Sable antelopes. I know if I do travel to see Monarto if I saw a large herd of Indian Blackbuck running across its African exhibit I know I would be extremely disappointed.

 

[Zoofan15]

At the end of the day there is no excuse anymore to do this its a real cheap cop-out, I might be "old school" but I believe they could do better, as has been mentioned before the Nyala import into New Zealand was a big success, there is no reason as to why they could not do the same with another species as "was" the original ZAA plan to import Impala and Sable antelopes. I know if I do travel to see Monarto if I saw a large herd of Indian Blackbuck running across its African exhibit I know I would be extremely disappointed.

Many of us share your frustration with Indian antelope (marketed as Blackbuck) on African savannahs. Hamilton does this too, though at least label them as Indian antelope. While I acknowledge both names are acceptable, I feel Blackbuck misleads the general public who assume they’re African.

The housing of Indian antelope within the Asian elephant complex will be a step in the right direction. I suspect they will only inhabit the bull exhibit due to the challenges of containing them; but this has yet to be confirmed and they’ll still remain in the drive through as a breeding herd.

 

[Jambo]

Many of us share your frustration with Indian antelope (marketed as Blackbuck) on African savannahs. Hamilton does this too, though at least label them as Indian antelope. While I acknowledge both names are acceptable, I feel Blackbuck misleads the general public who assume they’re African.

The housing of Indian antelope within the Asian elephant complex will be a step in the right direction. I suspect they will only inhabit the bull exhibit due to the challenges of containing them; but this has yet to be confirmed and they’ll still remain in the drive through as a breeding herd.

Werribee have begun to refer to them as 'Indian Antelope' on the Safari Tours in recent years, which is indeed far better for visitors to understand their actual home range is not in Africa! Especially when the whole Safari Tour is essentially themed as an 'African Safari', but still displays Blackbuck, Bison and Mongolian Wild Horse.

On them being in the elephant complex - I was taking note of the current fencing constraints around the complex. To be honest, due to Blackbuck's smaller stature I was a little bit skeptical of the fencing - I don't know how nimble they are too be fair, but it's also important to mention these will be fully grown adult males so perhaps size won't be an issue here. The fencing in all enclosures is the same, so I'd assume they might not be stuck in Luk Chai's exhibit has been assumed.

 

[Zoofan15]

On them being in the elephant complex - I was taking note of the current fencing constraints around the complex. To be honest, due to Blackbuck's smaller stature I was a little bit skeptical of the fencing - I don't know how nimble they are too be fair, but it's also important to mention these will be fully grown adult males so perhaps size won't be an issue here. The fencing in all enclosures is the same, so I'd assume they might not be stuck in Luk Chai's exhibit has been assumed.

The current elephant fencing would be easy for the Indian antelope to step through (whether they’re male, female or young).

What I meant is that it would be easier to proof Luk Chai’s area as it’s a contained area solely used by him. The idea is the matriarchal herd will have the run of multiple paddocks, so unless they want to close one off, it’s an all or nothing approach to double fencing for Indian antelope.

I envisage something like this with regards to double fencing:

 

[Jambo]

The current elephant fencing would be easy for the Indian antelope to step through (whether they’re male, female or young).

What I meant is that it would be easier to proof Luk Chai’s area as it’s a contained area solely used by him. The idea is the matriarchal herd will have the run of multiple paddocks, so unless they want to close one off, it’s an all or nothing approach to double fencing for Indian antelope.

I envisage something like this with regards to double fencing:

View attachment 801719

Unless the current fences are designed with electric wires?

Here's a photo of the fenceline in one exhibit;

Kulab and Aiyara - Asian Elephants

• Jambo
• 17 Jun 2025

Taken from my visit 15/06/2025

If the fencing is indeed currently inadequate, I'd assume the Blackbuck's arrival would still be a while away then. There didn't appear to be any form of construction in preparation for that from what I could see.

 

[Zoofan15]

Unless the current fences are designed with electric wires?

Here's a photo of the fenceline in one exhibit;

Kulab and Aiyara - Asian Elephants

• Jambo
• 17 Jun 2025

Taken from my visit 15/06/2025

If the fencing is indeed currently inadequate, I'd assume the Blackbuck's arrival would still be a while away then. There didn't appear to be any form of construction in preparation for that from what I could see.

I can see a thinner wire amongst the thick cables, so I’d assume the cables are non-electric; and then thin wire hot-wired. Depending on its positioning, it may be sufficient to prevent the antelope from simply stepping between it. The males have long horns they’d have to negotiate in any case.

Bulls are naturally more rambunctious; but the cows would be naturally protective of the calves and the calves would surely enjoy chasing the Indian antelope, so my assumption would be they’d start with Luk Chai, but perhaps roll the mixed species out to the cows/calves once they’ve had chance to see them in the adjacent exhibit and regard them as less of a novelty. Who needs an antelope to chase when you have a fidget spinner paddock!

 

[Jambo]

I can see a thinner wire amongst the thick cables, so I’d assume the cables are non-electric; and then thin wire hot-wired. Depending on its positioning, it may be sufficient to prevent the antelope from simply stepping between it. The males have long horns they’d have to negotiate in any case.

Bulls are naturally more rambunctious; but the cows would be naturally protective of the calves and the calves would surely enjoy chasing the Indian antelope, so my assumption would be they’d start with Luk Chai, but perhaps roll the mixed species out to the cows/calves once they’ve had chance to see them in the adjacent exhibit and regard them as less of a novelty. Who needs an antelope to chase when you have a fidget spinner paddock!

Yeah I was under the same impression re. the electric wires. As you can see they've placed the majority of the hot wires closest to the ground - which does indicate this may already be in place for the Blackbuck.

Since there's six paddocks, they'd likely start off by themselves in a paddock of their own for a period until keepers are confident they can integrate with Luk Chai. It's good that the whole complex is designed in this manner so that Werribee at least has the choice to introduce the Matriarchal herd if they wished.

 

[Zoofan15]

Yeah I was under the same impression re. the electric wires. As you can see they've placed the majority of the hot wires closest to the ground - which does indicate this may already be in place for the Blackbuck.

Since there's six paddocks, they'd likely start off by themselves in a paddock of their own for a period until keepers are confident they can integrate with Luk Chai. It's good that the whole complex is designed in this manner so that Werribee at least has the choice to introduce the Matriarchal herd if they wished.

The next few years should give a clear indication about the long term viability of this mixed species exhibit, but all going well, they could even look at transferring over Indian antelope cows and calves if it’s a success with the bulls.

Aside from having all the Indian antelope managed within the elephant facility, it would free up space on the savannah for management of African antelope species.

 

[Zorro]

The next few years should give a clear indication about the long term viability of this mixed species exhibit, but all going well, they could even look at transferring over Indian antelope cows and calves if it’s a success with the bulls.

Aside from having all the Indian antelope managed within the elephant facility, it would free up space on the savannah for management of African antelope species.

It would be nice if they imported a new antelope species with Monarto say........Sable antelopes!

 

[Zoofan15]

It would be nice if they imported a new antelope species with Monarto say........Sable antelopes!

Sable Antelope (Hippotragus niger) would be ideal as they’re on the live import list and their conservation status is Least Concern, meaning like the Lowland nyala, there’d be more scope to source a large founder base than Endangered antelopes like Eastern bongo.

A group import across multiple holders (Monarto, Werribee, Altina etc). could see a thriving population established.

 

[Zorro]

Sable Antelope (Hippotragus niger) would be ideal as they’re on the live import list and their conservation status is Least Concern, meaning like the Lowland nyala, there’d be more scope to source a large founder base than Endangered antelopes like Eastern bongo.

A group import across multiple holders (Monarto, Werribee, Altina etc). could see a thriving population established.

I believe you may find there are quite a few game ranches in South Africa that hold a breed them in good numbers, Werribee use to have some but likely only a very small number @Jambo they are certainly a very attractive antelope species that I believe the public would like to see

 

[Zoofan15]

I believe you may find there are quite a few game ranches in South Africa that hold a breed them in good numbers, Werribee use to have some but likely only a very small number @Jambo they are certainly a very attractive antelope species that I believe the public would like to see

Yes, that’s correct. Australia’s last Sable antelope was a female at Werribee that died 2012. From at least 2006 onwards, she was the zoo’s sole individual of her species.

 

[Jana]

I believe you may find there are quite a few game ranches in South Africa that hold a breed them in good numbers

South Africa is currently in the middle of growing FMD epidemy and it doesnt look like it will be resolved soon (in years rather than just in months). Hoofstock imports from there are thus impossible right now.

 

[Zorro]

South Africa is currently in the middle of growing FMD epidemy and it doesnt look like it will be resolved soon (in years rather than just in months). Hoofstock imports from there are thus impossible right now.

Thank you @Jana

 

[Jambo]

I believe you may find there are quite a few game ranches in South Africa that hold a breed them in good numbers, Werribee use to have some but likely only a very small number @Jambo they are certainly a very attractive antelope species that I believe the public would like to see

Werribee indeed used to have a small herd which I believe were imported from the US like the majority of their other ungulate founders.

However it appears they were phased out - the last male was offered to NZ. Likely to join Orana's breeding group. He passed before the transfer.

 

[Zorro]

Werribee indeed used to have a small herd which I believe were imported from the US like the majority of their other ungulate founders.

However it appears they were phased out - the last male was offered to NZ. Likely to join Orana's breeding group. He passed before the transfer.

It frustrates me when a zoo goes to the trouble and expense to import and them they phase them out more than likely as @Zoofan15 has pointed out yesterday because the number obtained was likely to small to start with!