After years of planning and anticipation, an entire herd of Asian elephants has moved from Melbourne Zoo to Werribee Open Range Zoo. This massive undertaking involved moving nine elephants, including three calves, in air-conditioned crates across 40 kilometres. They were transported in three separate groups over five days. When they reunited at Werribee Open Range Zoo, the elephants signalled their excitement, affection and social bond by touching trunks, flapping their ears and trumpeting. They’re now happily exploring their new 21-hectare home, and you’ll be able to visit them in a few weeks, once the herd has settled.
Elephants at Werribee Open Range Zoo
The $88 million home for the elephants is the same size as Melbourne Zoo, or five MCG playing fields. Known as the Elephant Trail, this space is all about prioritising animal welfare and elevating the visitor experience. There’s six habitats with mud wallows for roaming, foraging and socialising. There’s also two mega pools for them to splash around in. These pools collectively hold nearly two million litres of water, and offer about 1,300m² of swimming space.
There’s two specially designed elephant barns, complete with healthcare training spaces, and a communal sleeping area filled with 3,300 tonnes of sand.
As you meander along the visitor walking trails, you might look up and see the herd moving from one habitat to the next, thanks to two new overpasses for the elephants.
“They are celebrating and really enjoying their new surroundings,” said Elephant Trail Project Officer and Zookeeper Lucy Truelson. “They’re playing, exploring the landscape and they’ve slept beautifully. All these things show us that they’re content, confident, happy and thriving.”
This is the first time in its 41-year history that Werribee Open Range Zoo has been home to elephants. Moving the herd was an impressive undertaking that involved a team of 21 keepers, as well as logistics experts with cranes and trucks, veterinarians and works departments from both zoos, the Department of Transport and Victoria Police.
If you’re keen to see the elephants, keep an eye on Zoo’s Victoria’s social media for updates.