Werribee Open Range Zoo Werribee Open Range Zoo News 2025

[Zoofan15]

We visited Werribee Zoo today and the adult male was in the front enclosure with the 2 young males. There were 2 females visible in the back enclosure.

Thanks for the update. The lions in the front exhibit were Sheru, Jango and Mwezi obviously:

1.0 Sheru (19/11/2016) Lazarus x Maya
1.0 Jango (04/06/2023) Sheru x Nilo
1.0 Mwezi (04/06/2023) Sheru x Nilo

The lionesses in the back exhibit were likely Nilo and Kianga; with the lesser possibility one of them was in with Asali as part of maintaining her social ties to the pride:

0.1 Nilo (17/03/2012) Imported 2014 (Denmark)
0.1 Kianga (04/06/2023) Sheru x Nilo

More likely is Asali was in the dens with her cub:

0.1 Asali (12/08/2017) Johari x Nilo
0.0.1 Unnamed (23/03/2025) Sheru x Asali

 

[Jambo]

We visited Werribee Zoo today and the adult male was in the front enclosure with the 2 young males. There were 2 females visible in the back enclosure.

Thanks for the update. The lions in the front exhibit were Sheru, Jango and Mwezi obviously:

1.0 Sheru (19/11/2016) Lazarus x Maya
1.0 Jango (04/06/2023) Sheru x Nilo
1.0 Mwezi (04/06/2023) Sheru x Nilo

The lionesses in the back exhibit were likely Nilo and Kianga; with the lesser possibility one of them was in with Asali as part of maintaining her social ties to the pride:

0.1 Nilo (17/03/2012) Imported 2014 (Denmark)
0.1 Kianga (04/06/2023) Sheru x Nilo

More likely is Asali was in the dens with her cub:

0.1 Asali (12/08/2017) Johari x Nilo
0.0.1 Unnamed (23/03/2025) Sheru x Asali

That's interesting news - I do note from my previous post that I failed to note that only four Lions were shown on video; Sheru sitting next to one of his sons and his other son with Nilo, both of whom seemed to be fixated on the dens.

It's possible Kianga could be grouped with Asali, although I wouldn't honestly be able to say why unless it's for social benefits - in the wild, mothers do still interact with pride members after birthing cubs.

 

[Zoofan15]

That's interesting news - I do note from my previous post that I failed to note that only four Lions were shown on video; Sheru sitting next to one of his sons and his other son with Nilo, both of whom seemed to be fixated on the dens.

It's possible Kianga could be grouped with Asali, although I wouldn't honestly be able to say why unless it's for social benefits - in the wild, mothers do still interact with pride members after birthing cubs.

Asali having interactions with the pride serves a number of purposes. It maintains her social ties to the pride, which is important if she and her cub are to integrate into the pride; it maintains her place in the hierarchy (Asali is the middle ranking female between Nilo and Kianga); and it’s mentally stimulating for Asali, whose day is otherwise occupied by her cub.

I saw this firsthand at Paradise Valley Springs in February. Bella (the mother of the new cubs) was confined to the den with her cubs when I arrived, but was later let out to rejoin the pride in the main arena. The others anticipated her joining them (both the dominant male and her adolescent son were calling to her and waiting by the den door). She was clearly glad to have a break from her cubs and maintain social bonds with the pride (especially as the dominant female).

 

[Zorro]

I just watched an 8 month old video on Youtube by ZoosVic where they show the keepers tending the African animals and behind the senes I can't say I am a big fan of seeing Blackbuck and Nyala living together on the African savanna surely they should be teaching the public about which part of the world these species come from!

 

[Zoofan15]

I just watched an 8 month old video on Youtube by ZoosVic where they show the keepers tending the African animals and behind the senes I can't say I am a big fan of seeing Blackbuck and Nyala living together on the African savanna surely they should be teaching the public about which part of the world these species come from!

The concept of ‘ambassadors’ for African species annoys me (namely Asian elephants representing African elephants). The rationale that an Asian exhibit would look out of place in an open range zoo filled with African species is redundant when you consider that any modern elephant complex is worthy of being a precinct in its own right. Case in point Werribee’s elephant complex is the size of Melbourne Zoo. It’s not like we’re talking of a small Nepalese red panda exhibit amongst paddocks of African ungulates.

Hamilton Zoo do the same as Werribee, housing Indian antelope on their African Savannah - though it’s not much of an African Savannah these days with the giraffes confined to the yards 24/7 and Waterbuck phased out.

 

[Zorro]

The concept of ‘ambassadors’ for African species annoys me (namely Asian elephants representing African elephants). The rationale that an Asian exhibit would look out of place in an open range zoo filled with African species is redundant when you consider that any modern elephant complex is worthy of being a precinct in its own right. Case in point Werribee’s elephant complex is the size of Melbourne Zoo. It’s not like we’re talking of a small Nepalese red panda exhibit amongst paddocks of African ungulates.

Hamilton Zoo do the same as Werribee, housing Indian antelope on their African Savannah - though it’s not much of an African Savannah these days with the giraffes confined to the yards 24/7 and Waterbuck phased out.

Its not as if they could not import some African antelopes as mentioned before, Sable antelope and Impala were the antelopes were chosen by the ZAA for the region, They could do it if they wanted too do it but its so much easier and a cheap cop-out to put in a fake stand in as a filler species. I wrote to the zoo years ago about them again displaying "Asian water buffalo" on its African savanna as a fake stand in for "African Cape buffalo" so at least they woke up to that, lol.

 

[Zoofan15]

Its not as if they could not import some African antelopes as mentioned before, Sable antelope and Impala were the antelopes were chosen by the ZAA for the region, They could do it if they wanted too do it but its so much easier and a cheap cop-out to put in a fake stand in as a filler species. I wrote to the zoo years ago about them again displaying "Asian water buffalo" on its African savanna as a fake stand in for "African Cape buffalo" so at least they woke up to that, lol.

Considering the emphasis Zoos Victoria puts on education, this is the perfect opportunity for them to lead by example and educate visitors on the roles these species play in their natural eco-system. I always thought the Trail of the Elephants complex excelled at this.

Long term, Werribee plan to introduce Indian antelope to the Asian elephant complex, which will be a good opportunity for visitors to see these two Indian species coexisting. However, the plans are for the Indian antelope to remain in the Savannah exhibit when a handful are transferred across.

 

[Zorro]

Considering the emphasis Zoos Victoria puts on education, this is the perfect opportunity for them to lead by example and educate visitors on the roles these species play in their natural eco-system. I always thought the Trail of the Elephants complex excelled at this.

Long term, Werribee plan to introduce Indian antelope to the Asian elephant complex, which will be a good opportunity for visitors to see these two Indian species coexisting. However, the plans are for the Indian antelope to remain in the Savannah exhibit when a handful are transferred across.

Werribee now have an opportunity to have a real Asian display area if they wanted to display Indian rhinos mixed by some water buffalo in an Asian swamp exhibit next to the elephant exhibit instead of trying to make it all about Africa with a few odds and ends tacked on to it.

Another pair of Indian rhinos are badly needed in the country so if any serious breeding is to be considered this needs to happen. I guess using Indian blackbuck as an African species theres no cost involved no import papers to contend with no effort in doing this so I guess in the zoos eyes it's a winner!

 

[WhistlingKite24]

Visited Werribee today:

• the elephant complex was incredible. The two elephant overpasses from the main enclosure to two separate enclosures, the complexity in landscaping and exhibit design, the glass-fronted barn for the main herd, the pools that greet you as you walk towards the complex. Further seeing their elephant bull Luk Chai have complete access to a second paddock beyond his display habitat was incredible. So much choice, space and attention to detail. Can’t wait to see the elephant trail mature over the next couple of years. Some of the photos are in the gallery with many more to come: Werribee Open Range Zoo - ZooChat

• I did the rhino back of house tour. Two white female rhinos were due to be transferred out to Perth Zoo but the transfer has fallen through for now. They are looking at acquiring another rhino soon but nothing concrete yet.

• the blackbuck male has been vasectomised so no future breeding. The all-female bison herd will soon have a non-breeding male added to the display paddock for dynamics. I enjoyed large herds of oryx with females in the arid habitat and the males in the lower savannah. The nyala have a few young bulls maturing.

• I had fantastic views of the herd of five (2.3) waterbuck. Apparently they can be very elusive according to the guide.

• Bell’s Hinge-back Tortoise is still at the zoo next to the active display of Leopard Tortoises.

• Wildlife was good; little damselflies among the elephant gardens, Cape Barren Geese of course along with large flocks of Whistling and Black Kites and a Pacific Heron dodging zebras on the lower savannah.

 

[Zorro]

Visited Werribee today:

• the elephant complex was incredible. The two elephant overpasses from the main enclosure to two separate enclosures, the complexity in landscaping and exhibit design, the glass-fronted barn for the main herd, the pools that greet you as you walk towards the complex. Further seeing their elephant bull Luk Chai have complete access to a second paddock beyond his display habitat was incredible. So much choice, space and attention to detail. Can’t wait to see the elephant trail mature over the next couple of years. Some of the photos are in the gallery with many more to come: Werribee Open Range Zoo - ZooChat

• I did the rhino back of house tour. Two white female rhinos were due to be transferred out to Perth Zoo but the transfer has fallen through for now. They are looking at acquiring another rhino soon but nothing concrete yet.

• the blackbuck male has been vasectomised so no future breeding. The all-female bison herd will soon have a non-breeding male added to the display paddock for dynamics. I enjoyed large herds of oryx with females in the arid habitat and the males in the lower savannah. The nyala have a few young bulls maturing.

• I had fantastic views of the herd of five (2.3) waterbuck. Apparently they can be very elusive according to the guide.

• Bell’s Hinge-back Tortoise is still at the zoo next to the active display of Leopard Tortoises.

• Wildlife was good; little damselflies among the elephant gardens, Cape Barren Geese of course along with large flocks of Whistling and Black Kites and a Pacific Heron dodging zebras on the lower savannah.

Glad you enjoyed your day and to hear the exhibit is so good, looking forward to seeing more photos!

 

[Jambo]

Visited Werribee today:

• the elephant complex was incredible. The two elephant overpasses from the main enclosure to two separate enclosures, the complexity in landscaping and exhibit design, the glass-fronted barn for the main herd, the pools that greet you as you walk towards the complex. Further seeing their elephant bull Luk Chai have complete access to a second paddock beyond his display habitat was incredible. So much choice, space and attention to detail. Can’t wait to see the elephant trail mature over the next couple of years. Some of the photos are in the gallery with many more to come: Werribee Open Range Zoo - ZooChat

• I did the rhino back of house tour. Two white female rhinos were due to be transferred out to Perth Zoo but the transfer has fallen through for now. They are looking at acquiring another rhino soon but nothing concrete yet.

• the blackbuck male has been vasectomised so no future breeding. The all-female bison herd will soon have a non-breeding male added to the display paddock for dynamics. I enjoyed large herds of oryx with females in the arid habitat and the males in the lower savannah. The nyala have a few young bulls maturing.

• I had fantastic views of the herd of five (2.3) waterbuck. Apparently they can be very elusive according to the guide.

• Bell’s Hinge-back Tortoise is still at the zoo next to the active display of Leopard Tortoises.

• Wildlife was good; little damselflies among the elephant gardens, Cape Barren Geese of course along with large flocks of Whistling and Black Kites and a Pacific Heron dodging zebras on the lower savannah.

It was good weather to visit today, also glad to hear you had a good visit and enjoyed seeing the elephants in the new complex. Appreciate the photos too!

On the rhinos, I'm not surprised to hear the Perth move has been scrapped. In a recent article, reference was made towards the herd remaining together in the long run and I found this strange considering the planned Perth transfer. Equally exciting to hopefully have another breeding cow - but there are limited options regionally. Altina's pair are an option.

The Blackbuck herd also numbers in the 30's now. That doesn't include the bachelor group who live off display. They've bred really well over the past decade or so, so a breeding halt is not surprising.

It's also news to me that Werribee doesn't have any male Bison left. They had two as of last year (breeding male and his son). Or perhaps I'm misinterpreting it - and it's just the girls on display?

 

[Abbey]

Visited Werribee today:

• the elephant complex was incredible. The two elephant overpasses from the main enclosure to two separate enclosures, the complexity in landscaping and exhibit design, the glass-fronted barn for the main herd, the pools that greet you as you walk towards the complex. Further seeing their elephant bull Luk Chai have complete access to a second paddock beyond his display habitat was incredible. So much choice, space and attention to detail. Can’t wait to see the elephant trail mature over the next couple of years. Some of the photos are in the gallery with many more to come: Werribee Open Range Zoo - ZooChat

• I did the rhino back of house tour. Two white female rhinos were due to be transferred out to Perth Zoo but the transfer has fallen through for now. They are looking at acquiring another rhino soon but nothing concrete yet.

• the blackbuck male has been vasectomised so no future breeding. The all-female bison herd will soon have a non-breeding male added to the display paddock for dynamics. I enjoyed large herds of oryx with females in the arid habitat and the males in the lower savannah. The nyala have a few young bulls maturing.

• I had fantastic views of the herd of five (2.3) waterbuck. Apparently they can be very elusive according to the guide.

• Bell’s Hinge-back Tortoise is still at the zoo next to the active display of Leopard Tortoises.

• Wildlife was good; little damselflies among the elephant gardens, Cape Barren Geese of course along with large flocks of Whistling and Black Kites and a Pacific Heron dodging zebras on the lower savannah.

Great to hear you had a wonderful time, and your photos are beautiful as always!

 

[Jaiden]

It was good weather to visit today, also glad to hear you had a good visit and enjoyed seeing the elephants in the new complex. Appreciate the photos too!

On the rhinos, I'm not surprised to hear the Perth move has been scrapped. In a recent article, reference was made towards the herd remaining together in the long run and I found this strange considering the planned Perth transfer. Equally exciting to hopefully have another breeding cow - but there are limited options regionally. Altina's pair are an option.

The Blackbuck herd also numbers in the 30's now. That doesn't include the bachelor group who live off display. They've bred really well over the past decade or so, so a breeding halt is not surprising.

It's also news to me that Werribee doesn't have any male Bison left. They had two as of last year (breeding male and his son). Or perhaps I'm misinterpreting it - and it's just the girls on display?

Sounds like a nice visit wow that is very sad Memphis is going to be alone in Perth since in the next 5 months Bakari is going to Australia Zoo. I’m glad you had a good visit

 

[Zoofan15]

Visited Werribee today:

• the elephant complex was incredible. The two elephant overpasses from the main enclosure to two separate enclosures, the complexity in landscaping and exhibit design, the glass-fronted barn for the main herd, the pools that greet you as you walk towards the complex. Further seeing their elephant bull Luk Chai have complete access to a second paddock beyond his display habitat was incredible. So much choice, space and attention to detail. Can’t wait to see the elephant trail mature over the next couple of years. Some of the photos are in the gallery with many more to come: Werribee Open Range Zoo - ZooChat

• I did the rhino back of house tour. Two white female rhinos were due to be transferred out to Perth Zoo but the transfer has fallen through for now. They are looking at acquiring another rhino soon but nothing concrete yet.

• the blackbuck male has been vasectomised so no future breeding. The all-female bison herd will soon have a non-breeding male added to the display paddock for dynamics. I enjoyed large herds of oryx with females in the arid habitat and the males in the lower savannah. The nyala have a few young bulls maturing.

• I had fantastic views of the herd of five (2.3) waterbuck. Apparently they can be very elusive according to the guide.

• Bell’s Hinge-back Tortoise is still at the zoo next to the active display of Leopard Tortoises.

• Wildlife was good; little damselflies among the elephant gardens, Cape Barren Geese of course along with large flocks of Whistling and Black Kites and a Pacific Heron dodging zebras on the lower savannah.

I’m enjoying the photos!

That’s good to hear Werribee are looking at acquiring a new rhinoceros long term. Compared to other facilities in the region like Hamilton and Auckland, they haven’t had the most successful run with this species. An additional breeding female would be beneficial.

It sounds like Luk Chai is making the most of his new space. Long term, Werribee have factored in housing two adult bulls in adjacent paddocks, with a tree line forming a visual barrier between the two to reduce stress; while allowing them to be aware of the other’s presence.

 

[Zoofan15]

Death of African lion cub:

Some heartbreaking news from Zoos Victoria regarding their African lion cub:

We're heartbroken to announce that an African Lion cub has sadly died from kidney issues after its mother Asali unexpectedly stopped producing maternal milk.

At three weeks old, the cub was observed showing signs of weakness and poor weight gain which prompted an emergency examination under anaesthesia at Werribee Open Range Zoo's veterinary hospital.

The labour and post-birth interactions were monitored remotely via 24-hour cameras, without disturbing the pair's natural bonding process. Intervention was a last resort, made only when the cub’s health was at risk, as separating it from its mother carries a high risk of maternal rejection.

The cub received extensive care, however there was no chance of recovery, leading the veterinary team to make the only compassionate and humane decision, to euthanise the extremely sick cub to prevent its suffering.

 

[Jambo]

Death of African lion cub:

Some heartbreaking news from Zoos Victoria regarding their African lion cub:

We're heartbroken to announce that an African Lion cub has sadly died from kidney issues after its mother Asali unexpectedly stopped producing maternal milk.

At three weeks old, the cub was observed showing signs of weakness and poor weight gain which prompted an emergency examination under anaesthesia at Werribee Open Range Zoo's veterinary hospital.

The labour and post-birth interactions were monitored remotely via 24-hour cameras, without disturbing the pair's natural bonding process. Intervention was a last resort, made only when the cub’s health was at risk, as separating it from its mother carries a high risk of maternal rejection.

The cub received extensive care, however there was no chance of recovery, leading the veterinary team to make the only compassionate and humane decision, to euthanise the extremely sick cub to prevent its suffering.

That's very sad news to hear - even though it was only a single lion cub, it would've surely been a huge crowd drawer to Werribee (alongside the new elephants). Especially if they managed to introduce it to the rest of the pride, including it's older siblings (Jango, Mwenzi and Kianga).

I wonder if the fact that it was only a single cub lead to Asali stop lactating? I'm sure I've read big cats can do this at times.

Hopefully Asali will soon be given another opportunity to breed again. Factoring in gestation, if they allow her to breed immediately, the best result would be for Asali to have another litter before the year ends.

 

[Zoofan15]

That's very sad news to hear - even though it was only a single lion cub, it would've surely been a huge crowd drawer to Werribee (alongside the new elephants). Especially if they managed to introduce it to the rest of the pride, including it's older siblings (Jango, Mwenzi and Kianga).

I wonder if the fact that it was only a single cub lead to Asali stop lactating? I'm sure I've read big cats can do this at times.

Hopefully Asali will soon be given another opportunity to breed again. Factoring in gestation, if they allow her to breed immediately, the best result would be for Asali to have another litter before the year ends.

The birth of a single cub (or the reduction of a litter to a single cub) causing the mother to cease lactation is a well recognised phenomenon in tigers and cheetah; but there’s been a few cases where a lioness has successfully raised a single cub. Justin (1982) and Juliana (1986) at Melbourne Zoo; and Alistair (1986) at Perth Zoo are examples of singleton cubs successfully raised by their mother. Jahzara (2011) at Monarto is a more recent example.

My theory is that while a female tiger or cheetah is unwise to invest 18-24 months of maternal care on a litter containing a single cub; lions (being a social species) are less susceptible to this due to pooling resources with relatives. Births in prides are usually synchronised and so a lioness with one cub is better off continuing with that cub as she can still contribute to the raising of her nieces etc alongside her cub (all lionesses in a pride are related, so it benefits her bloodlines). Just a theory I have!

 

[Nile Hippo Expert]

Visited Werribee today:

• the elephant complex was incredible. The two elephant overpasses from the main enclosure to two separate enclosures, the complexity in landscaping and exhibit design, the glass-fronted barn for the main herd, the pools that greet you as you walk towards the complex. Further seeing their elephant bull Luk Chai have complete access to a second paddock beyond his display habitat was incredible. So much choice, space and attention to detail. Can’t wait to see the elephant trail mature over the next couple of years. Some of the photos are in the gallery with many more to come: Werribee Open Range Zoo - ZooChat

• I did the rhino back of house tour. Two white female rhinos were due to be transferred out to Perth Zoo but the transfer has fallen through for now. They are looking at acquiring another rhino soon but nothing concrete yet.

• the blackbuck male has been vasectomised so no future breeding. The all-female bison herd will soon have a non-breeding male added to the display paddock for dynamics. I enjoyed large herds of oryx with females in the arid habitat and the males in the lower savannah. The nyala have a few young bulls maturing.

• I had fantastic views of the herd of five (2.3) waterbuck. Apparently they can be very elusive according to the guide.

• Bell’s Hinge-back Tortoise is still at the zoo next to the active display of Leopard Tortoises.

• Wildlife was good; little damselflies among the elephant gardens, Cape Barren Geese of course along with large flocks of Whistling and Black Kites and a Pacific Heron dodging zebras on the lower savannah.

I can hardly believe this is actually how good this exhibit is, one of the best elephant exhibits in the world I'd say!

 

[Zoofan15]

I can hardly believe this is actually how good this exhibit is, one of the best elephant exhibits in the world I'd say!

It’s currently larger than any elephant complex in North America or Europe. Inevitability bigger and better complexes will be built overseas and that’s no bad thing; but for now Werribee has set the benchmark higher than ever before of what a world class facility can aspire to be.

It was designed in mind of being fit for purpose for the next 100 years and it’s not hard to imagine that will be the case. It’s humbling to think this exhibit and descendants of the exisiting herd will be here a century from now, after we’re all gone.

 

[Zorro]

I can hardly believe this is actually how good this exhibit is, one of the best elephant exhibits in the world I'd say!

Full marks to ZoosVic that they engaged some of the top overseas elephant experts for their input!