Werribee Open Range Zoo Werribee Open Range Zoo News 2025

[Zoofan15]

And lets not forget the other International European experts input also not just regional

Yes, research for the Werribee elephant complex was done in consultation with the following:

Research included telephone interviews with leading elephant managers, Mr. Gerry Creighton, Dublin Zoo, Mr. Otto Fad, Precision Behavior, and Mr. Alan Roocroft, Elephant Business Inc. They were asked to describe both what they found to be most successful in their present ground-breaking work and what could contribute to a new, next-generation of elephant programs.

A great example of zoos working together on a global scale for advancement in welfare of captive elephants. Another example being the establishment of an EEHV testing laboratory at Werribee and Mek Kepah’s invaluable role as a plasma donor.

 

[StoppableSan]

An interesting video I found highlighting the new Elephant Trail, specifically highlighting the overpasses in action! Roi-Yim's calling for his mom, and Mali (at least I think that's her based on her tail), racing from the central yard all the way to one of the ancillary yards crossing over, which is a thrilling sight in and of itself! Legit, what I'd give to see all this in person...

 

[Tigergal]

An interesting video I found highlighting the new Elephant Trail, specifically highlighting the overpasses in action! Roi-Yim's calling for his mom, and Mali (at least I think that's her based on her tail), racing from the central yard all the way to one of the ancillary yards crossing over, which is a thrilling sight in and of itself! Legit, what I'd give to see all this in person...

This is so beautiful to watch! Can't wait to see the herd continue to thrive in their new home

 

[Zoofan15]

An interesting video I found highlighting the new Elephant Trail, specifically highlighting the overpasses in action! Roi-Yim's calling for his mom, and Mali (at least I think that's her based on her tail), racing from the central yard all the way to one of the ancillary yards crossing over, which is a thrilling sight in and of itself! Legit, what I'd give to see all this in person...

Thanks for sharing. These overpasses are phenomenal. I’ve been impressed by watching Auckland Zoo’s Sumatran tigers traverse their three exhibits above the path of visitors, but to see multi tonne elephants doing the same is beyond comprehension.

I can’t wait to see this complex in person one day, but for now am enjoying all the videos and photos!

 

[Jambo]

An interesting video I found highlighting the new Elephant Trail, specifically highlighting the overpasses in action! Roi-Yim's calling for his mom, and Mali (at least I think that's her based on her tail), racing from the central yard all the way to one of the ancillary yards crossing over, which is a thrilling sight in and of itself! Legit, what I'd give to see all this in person...

Wow, first of all, the habitats look amazing and it's really wonderful to see the elephants actually taking the time to sort of 'go off on their own', something you would have never seen at Melbourne.

It looks to me like the calves were left with Dokkon, Mek Kapah and Num Oi. Being the timid little guy he is, it's no surprise he's anxious being away from mum for too long. It appears he's gotten a little distracted with the other calves playing and then realised hey, where's mum gone.

Kulab then runs over from eating elsewhere. Good behavior to see from her; many of us predict she will be matriarch one day. It's not surprising to see Mali utilising the water and venturing quite far from the rest of the herd. She's always been a bit of a wanderer and a water baby. Probably took her chance to sneak off from mothering duties and have a swim.

 

[Zoofan15]

Wow, first of all, the habitats look amazing and it's really wonderful to see the elephants actually taking the time to sort of 'go off on their own', something you would have never seen at Melbourne.

It looks to me like the calves were left with Dokkon, Mek Kapah and Num Oi. Being the timid little guy he is, it's no surprise he's anxious being away from mum for too long. It appears he's gotten a little distracted with the other calves playing and then realised hey, where's mum gone.

Kulab then runs over from eating elsewhere. Good behavior to see from her; many of us predict she will be matriarch one day. It's not surprising to see Mali utilising the water and venturing quite far from the rest of the herd. She's always been a bit of a wanderer and a water baby. Probably took her chance to sneak off from mothering duties and have a swim.

The staff anticipate that the younger elephants will be more adaptable to the new environment and engage with the new facilities quicker, so it’ll come as no surprise to see Mali of all the adult cows making the most of what’s on offer.

It’s interesting that you note that of Mali though as Aiyara is the same - very much a wanderer compared to Roi-Yim (with Kati in between the two). Dokkoon’s relaxed parenting style is no doubt the key influence here.

In line with what’s mentioned above, I think we can all expect Mek Kepah to be the most reticent in approaching her new habitat. It’s a seismic change for her (as was the move to the 2003 exhibit when she was in her prime)! This alone could provide the catalyst for a shift to Kulab assuming the matriarch position, though time will tell.

 

[Jambo]

The staff anticipate that the younger elephants will be more adaptable to the new environment and engage with the new facilities quicker, so it’ll come as no surprise to see Mali of all the adult cows making the most of what’s on offer.

It’s interesting that you note that of Mali though as Aiyara is the same - very much a wanderer compared to Roi-Yim (with Kati in between the two). Dokkoon’s relaxed parenting style is no doubt the key influence here.

In line with what’s mentioned above, I think we can all expect Mek Kepah to be the most reticent in approaching her new habitat. It’s a seismic change for her (as was the move to the 2003 exhibit when she was in her prime)! This alone could provide the catalyst for a shift to Kulab assuming the matriarch position, though time will tell.

Aiyara is lucky in that being born alongside two other calves, she's had the opportunity to venture off and socialise more often than not. Mali really only had Ongard, and he was a lot like Roi in regards to his reserved personality. Still, it's interesting to draw comparisons between the two daughters of Dokkoon who are very very similar personality wise.

I remember reading Mek Kapah was beyond excited when the Thai cows initially arrived. It's no surprise to hear she was cautious when initially moving into TOTE; she was effectively moving by herself. This time around, she has the rest of the herd which surely helped with the transition.

 

[Zorro]

Wow, first of all, the habitats look amazing and it's really wonderful to see the elephants actually taking the time to sort of 'go off on their own', something you would have never seen at Melbourne.

It looks to me like the calves were left with Dokkon, Mek Kapah and Num Oi. Being the timid little guy he is, it's no surprise he's anxious being away from mum for too long. It appears he's gotten a little distracted with the other calves playing and then realised hey, where's mum gone.

Kulab then runs over from eating elsewhere. Good behavior to see from her; many of us predict she will be matriarch one day. It's not surprising to see Mali utilising the water and venturing quite far from the rest of the herd. She's always been a bit of a wanderer and a water baby. Probably took her chance to sneak off from mothering duties and have a swim.

I agree now with the much larger areas they can go and do their own thing and make up their own minds where and when to be of their own choosing!

 

[Zoofan15]

Aiyara is lucky in that being born alongside two other calves, she's had the opportunity to venture off and socialise more often than not. Mali really only had Ongard, and he was a lot like Roi in regards to his reserved personality. Still, it's interesting to draw comparisons between the two daughters of Dokkoon who are very very similar personality wise.

I remember reading Mek Kapah was beyond excited when the Thai cows initially arrived. It's no surprise to hear she was cautious when initially moving into TOTE; she was effectively moving by herself. This time around, she has the rest of the herd which surely helped with the transition.

The transition to Werribee’s open range habitat will provide a fascinating insight into the responses of the elephants, with the three cow paddocks (and figit spinner paddock) eventually all being accessible to the cows so that they can choose how to run their day. I was excited to hear this at the public talk last year as I’d previously assumed that there would be staff led rotation to allow the paddocks resting time for regeneration.

While younger elephants are inherently adaptable, the background of the four imported cows will provide them with experience of change going into a new environment. This is all new in every sense to Mali, though it no doubt goes over the heads of the calves to some degree.

 

[Jambo]

The transition to Werribee’s open range habitat will provide a fascinating insight into the responses of the elephants, with the three cow paddocks (and figit spinner paddock) eventually all being accessible to the cows so that they can choose how to run their day. I was excited to hear this at the public talk last year as I’d previously assumed that there would be staff led rotation to allow the paddocks resting time for regeneration.

While younger elephants are inherently adaptable, the background of the four imported cows will provide them with experience of change going into a new environment. This is all new in every sense to Mali, though it no doubt goes over the heads of the calves to some degree.

The issue of barren elephant exhibits (as is often seen in city zoos) will hopefully be nullified with Werribee's large complex which enables the herd to have access to a variety of reasonably sized elephant enclosures. As a result, the elephants won't always have to remain in the same space, which is usually what kills the grass growth in the first place.

 

[Zoofan15]

The issue of barren elephant exhibits (as is often seen in city zoos) will hopefully be nullified with Werribee's large complex which enables the herd to have access to a variety of reasonably sized elephant enclosures. As a result, the elephants won't always have to remain in the same space, which is usually what kills the grass growth in the first place.

I would also expect the activities available to them in the fidget spinner paddock (sand pit and pool) to dominate their recreational pursuits so aside from browsing (which will be accommodated at various stations), I would expect them to spend most of the time there (where the substrate is renewable or unaffected by their consistent use).

It’s a great example of the design working around the animals with regards to stationing viewing points at animal centric zones.

 

[StoppableSan]

Another set of pictures, this time around from mammaknowswest.com.au!

The New Elephant Trail at Werribee Zoo – Now Open!

The article erroneously says that Burma from Auckland ended up at Werribee, when she's at Monarto.

In general, I thought the barrier design would be obtrusive, but they seemingly managed to do a phenomenal job providing clear viewing opportunities! I also somehow thought the yards themselves would be flat, and you'd be viewing the elephants from a great distance, but they did a solid job making the terrain varied and engaging for the elephants! I want to be able to properly judge if and when I end up making my way to Australia, but this is yet another reason to go in a long line of reasons! Australia truly is ahead of the curve when it comes to elephant husbandry; in a lengthy debate over whether elephants need more space or more social complexity, Werribee threw its hands up and decided, "why not both?" resulting in elephants that are allowed to be *elephants* rather than sideshow curiosities.

 

[Zoofan15]

Another set of pictures, this time around from mammaknowswest.com.au!

The New Elephant Trail at Werribee Zoo – Now Open!

The article erroneously says that Burma from Auckland ended up at Werribee, when she's at Monarto.

In general, I thought the barrier design would be obtrusive, but they seemingly managed to do a phenomenal job providing clear viewing opportunities! I also somehow thought the yards themselves would be flat, and you'd be viewing the elephants from a great distance, but they did a solid job making the terrain varied and engaging for the elephants! I want to be able to properly judge if and when I end up making my way to Australia, but this is yet another reason to go in a long line of reasons! Australia truly is ahead of the curve when it comes to elephant husbandry; in a lengthy debate over whether elephants need more space or more social complexity, Werribee threw its hands up and decided, "why not both?" resulting in elephants that are allowed to be *elephants* rather than sideshow curiosities.

Great photos!

You make a good point re. social dynamics. The Melbourne complex was cramped by the end; but it was evident the benefit the elephants got from living in a multigenerational herd.

Succession planning will be revised every five years to determine breeding plans; but for now, we can expect another cohort of calves to the cows within the next three years or so (when the current cohort are 5-6 years old).

 

[Zorro]

Wow, first of all, the habitats look amazing and it's really wonderful to see the elephants actually taking the time to sort of 'go off on their own', something you would have never seen at Melbourne.

It looks to me like the calves were left with Dokkon, Mek Kapah and Num Oi. Being the timid little guy he is, it's no surprise he's anxious being away from mum for too long. It appears he's gotten a little distracted with the other calves playing and then realised hey, where's mum gone.

Kulab then runs over from eating elsewhere. Good behavior to see from her; many of us predict she will be matriarch one day. It's not surprising to see Mali utilising the water and venturing quite far from the rest of the herd. She's always been a bit of a wanderer and a water baby. Probably took her chance to sneak off from mothering duties and have a swim.

I am glad to see that Mak Kapah can now live out the rest of her life living her very best life in such a outstanding habitat its a bit of a shame that Bong su never got to see it. As this herd settles in living out their daily lives one can only imagine the interactions within the herd as it grows when the next cohort of calfs arrive, its going to be exciting and interesting to watch the dynamics in the future!

 

[Zoofan15]

I am glad to see that Mak Kapah can now live out the rest of her life living her very best life in such a outstanding habitat its a bit of a shame that Bong su never got to see it. As this herd settles in living out their daily lives one can only imagine the interactions within the herd as it grows when the next cohort of calfs arrive, its going to be exciting and interesting to watch the dynamics in the future!

I can only imagine the use Man Jai would have got out of the Werribee complex (along with Luk Chai, came from Melbourne this year).

Bong Su’s legacy is Mali and her son, who are now at Werribee. It meant a lot to his keepers to know they would be carrying on his lineage at Werribee (along with the rest of the herd); with Bong Su being a founder (and also the father of Pathi Harn and Ongard).

When you consider how many wild elephants were imported into Australia and New Zealand throughout the 19th and 20th century, only two of those have bred (Bong Su and Putra Mas). It’s a shame to think how many lineages have been lost - especially magnificent bulls such as Heman.

 

[Jaiden]

This new exhibit seems like it's one of the best in the world. Are there any better than this for Asian elephants, or elephants in general? If not, it might set a new standard.

It is one of the best Elephant exhibits currently in the World I have never heard of such a big Elephant habitat. While watching the 7News video about it I did manage to get some photos. And I Found an image which I thinks tops the exhibit I found it on google.

 

[Jambo]

I am glad to see that Mak Kapah can now live out the rest of her life living her very best life in such a outstanding habitat its a bit of a shame that Bong su never got to see it. As this herd settles in living out their daily lives one can only imagine the interactions within the herd as it grows when the next cohort of calfs arrive, its going to be exciting and interesting to watch the dynamics in the future!

It's really a testament to Melbourne's staff that she's made it this far. She's going through her fair share of health issues, and has also seen a drastic change in the way Zoos Victoria have exhibited elephants - thinking back to when she arrived from Malaysia as only a calf and used to live in the tiny concrete enclosure alongside Bong Su, then eventually living in a more progressive habitat with the arrival of additional cows, and consequently, calves. And now the huge, innovative complex at Werribee. As the matriarch of the herd she will continue to play a pivotal role within the herd for years to come.

It would've been fascinating to see how Bong Su would've taken to the new complex considering he often had behaviours engrained from his previous way of living and wasn't the most 'active' elephant. Still, I remember reading about his reaction when entering the pool in TOTE for the first time; vocalising in joy whilst swimming - it was his first time in a pool where he could fully submerge. One can only imagine how he would've utilised the huge pool at Werribee.

 

[Zorro]

It's really a testament to Melbourne's staff that she's made it this far. She's going through her fair share of health issues, and has also seen a drastic change in the way Zoos Victoria have exhibited elephants - thinking back to when she arrived from Malaysia as only a calf and used to live in the tiny concrete enclosure alongside Bong Su, then eventually living in a more progressive habitat with the arrival of additional cows, and consequently, calves. And now the huge, innovative complex at Werribee. As the matriarch of the herd she will continue to play a pivotal role within the herd for years to come.

It would've been fascinating to see how Bong Su would've taken to the new complex considering he often had behaviours engrained from his previous way of living and wasn't the most 'active' elephant. Still, I remember reading about his reaction when entering the pool in TOTE for the first time; vocalising in joy whilst swimming - it was his first time in a pool where he could fully submerge. One can only imagine how he would've utilised the huge pool at Werribee.

Hopefully she has a long life which has to be a huge improvement from her past small enclosure and lack of a proper life for her, It would of been interesting to have seen Bong Su reaction to the Werribee exhibit. I remember seeing Heman at Taronga in 1977 he was an impressive bull living in less than ideal conditions but I guess he did get to see the new open areas at the Western Plains zoo even at a more advanced age

 

[Zoofan15]

Hopefully she has a long life which has to be a huge improvement from her past small enclosure and lack of a proper life for her, It would of been interesting to have seen Bong Su reaction to the Werribee exhibit. I remember seeing Heman at Taronga in 1977 he was an impressive bull living in less than ideal conditions but I guess he did get to see the new open areas at the Western Plains zoo even at a more advanced age

Heman was a very impressive bull. I would have loved for his genes to have been retained within the population, especially with articles suggesting he knew how to mount females (possibility of natural breeding). Nonetheless he passed away at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in 2006, one year after he was transferred there from Taronga Zoo.

Zoos Victoria’s keepers hope that Mek Kepah will display more natural behaviours such as foraging following the move to the new complex; and less undesirable behaviours such as swaying (ingrained behaviour from the old compound she lived in pre-2003). It’s noticeable how the Thai cows (who only ever lived in the TOTE complex at Melbourne) display considerably less of these behaviours - testament to a world class complex and natural social structure/multigenerational herd.

 

[NathanTheAsian]

The new complex looks incredible, and I can’t wait to visit! One small concern I have (and I'm probably being overly pedantic about this) is the presence of barriers for photography. From what I’ve seen, the waterhole seems to be the only spot without visible wires or fences in the way. One thing I loved about Melbourne was the ability to photograph elephants without obstructions, so I’m curious how well this will work for photographers at Werribee. Has anyone visited yet and found other good spots for photography with unobstructed views?