January 14, 2011
GIRAFFES, rhinos and zebras have moved themselves to higher ground south of Melbourne to escape floodwaters encroaching on their new-found habitat.
The residents of the 200-hectare Werribee Open Range Zoo have obeyed their natural instincts as the nearby Werribee River flooded on Friday.
Zoo spokesman Tim Grech said the animals, which include eight rhinoceros, seven giraffe and a dozen zebra, didn't need to be encouraged to head for safety.
"As water levels rise, they just move up to a higher area. We don't actually have to physically move them," he said.
Mr Grech said the zoo was still open for business but the swollen river had cut short its safari tours which provide up-close encounters with the animals.
"We're running half tours at the moment," Mr Grech said.
"We can't run our safari tours over the river."
The State Emergency Service (SES) issued a minor flood warning for the Werribee River early Friday.
Rainfalls of up to 70mm were recorded in the Werribee River catchment since 9am Thursday and 20-40mm is forecast to fall on Friday.
The SES has advised people living or working along the river to be wary of the conditions.