The Melbourne Zoo: Everything you need to know

History

The Melbourne Zoo is Australia's oldest zoo, dating back to 1862, initially displaying animals that formerly lived in the Botanic Gardens and nearby Richmond Paddocks. The Melbourne Zoo, which is modeled after the London Zoo, expanded with new species like monkeys, bears, lions, and tigers in 1870.

New Melbourne Zoo director Albert le Souef also added gardens and picnic areas. The Melbourne Zoo was free until 1881, and the admission fee allowed the zoo to add many more species. The Melbourne Zoo continues to expand and improve, although its 19th century carousel remains as a reminder of its rich history.

Exhibits

Top exhibits at the Melbourne Zoo include the Trail of the Elephants, which transports visitors to an Asian village, and the Orangutan Sanctuary, with its elevated boardwalks. The Butterfly House at the Melbourne Zoo immerses visitors in a colorful world of native Australian butterfly species, while the Wild Sea brings Melbourne Zoo guests to the Victoria coastline, with seals, penguins and other native wildlife.

Special Programs

Wild Encounters

The Melbourne Zoo offers Wild Encounters for guests who want to go beyond the usual experience. Go behind the scenes with the animal keepers to meet elephants, lions, tigers, orangutans, seals, reptiles, or gorillas in an unforgettable experience. Special experiences at the Melbourne Zoo also include face-to-face meetings with giraffes, meerkats, kangaroos, or giant tortoises in the Close-Up Encounters program. These tours cost extra, but part of the fee contributes to wildlife conservation.

Roar and Snore

The Melbourne Zoo has special seasonal offerings, including its Roar And Snore Program, which allows guests to bunk down in the historic elephant exhibit. The elephants' old quarters are now full of tents and camping mattresses where zoo visitors spent the night on select dates from September to May. The night includes dinner, after-dark zoo exploration, bedtime stories, and breakfast the next morning.

Nearby Hotels

There are several hotels within walking distance of the Melbourne Zoo, including the Park Squire Motor Inn and Melbourne's Princess Park Motor Inn. 

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